Thanksgiving allows families to gather together and count their blessings. Each Thanksgiving includes a variety of traditions. Below highlights some of the most popular Thanksgiving traditions.
1. Thanksgiving meal
Families gather together around the dinner table during the Thanksgiving meal, making it the core of Thanksgiving. With the widespread availability of foods like turkey, ham and side dishes like stuffing, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce. Thanksgiving meals often end in delicious desserts, including pumpkin pie, pecan pie and apple pie.
2. Friendsgiving
Friendsgiving is a popular celebration during Thanksgiving. It brings friends together with Thanksgiving foods and games. Friendsgiving also allows people to feel grateful for their friendships when gathered together during Thanksgiving.
3. Turkey Trot
The Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day in Fort Worth is held at the General Worth Square and hosted by the YMCA. The event consists of a 5K, 8K, or a 1K Gobbler Trot. The Turkey Trot starts at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 11:00 a.m., featuring beautiful architecture when passing through. Many runners dress up in Thanksgiving-themed attire like Turkey costumes, but some just wear comfortable clothing to run or walk in.
4. Football
Each year, families gather around the TV for the annual Thanksgiving Day football games. This year, on Nov. 27, the Packers play the Lions at noon. The Chiefs play the Cowboys at 3:30 p.m. and the Bengals against the Ravens at 7:20 p.m.
5. Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade
The annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade in New York City lasts from 8:30 a.m. to noon Nov. 27. The parade features giant floats and balloons, marching bands, dance teams and celebrity performers and more. But most importantly, to kick off the Christmas season, the parade introduces Santa Claus at the end of the parade, starting the countdown till Christmas.
6. Black Friday
Black Friday occurs the day after Thanksgiving. Black Friday kicks off the holiday shopping, offering countless deals in stores. Black Friday mornings call for a hectic one, with people waking up early and even staying overnight at certain stores to get what they want for the best deals.
