Celebrating Thanksgiving Day: 5 Traditions and Activities

Thanksgiving Day – one of the most cherished and heartwarming holidays in the United States. It is a time when people come together to express gratitude and celebrate the blessings in their lives. It’s a day filled with tradition, family, food, and reflection. In this blog, we will explore the various activities that make Thanksgiving Day special and the traditions that have evolved over time.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

This is one of the largest events of Thanksgiving Day. The parade takes place in New York City and features large floats, marching bands, performance groups, and giant balloons. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a renowned tradition dating back to 1924. It attracts millions of spectators along the streets of New York and millions more watching on television.

The parade is famous for its large floats, which are decorated with various themes, as well as marching bands, performance groups, and enormous balloons. It often includes appearances by celebrities and public figures. It’s worth noting that weather conditions can impact the parade. If the weather is exceptionally severe, the parade may be canceled or have its schedule adjusted. Nevertheless, the Macy’s Parade remains one of the most anticipated and beloved events of Thanksgiving.

Black Friday Shopping

The day after Thanksgiving is known as Black Friday, and it’s one of the busiest shopping days of the year. Retailers offer significant discounts and deals, both online and in physical stores. Many people take advantage of this day to start their holiday shopping and to get great bargains on a wide range of products. 

Black Friday has become such a popular shopping day that some stores and online retailers even extend their sales through the entire weekend, culminating with another major shopping event known as Cyber Monday, which focuses on online deals and discounts. While Black Friday is known for its incredible deals, it can also be a very crowded and competitive shopping experience. Many people queue up early in the morning or even camp outside stores to get the best deals. However, with the rise of online shopping, more and more people are choosing to browse and buy from the comfort of their homes.

Watching NFL football games

On Thanksgiving Day, the National Football League (NFL) traditionally hosts several football games, with two of the most anticipated matchups involving the Dallas Cowboys and the Detroit Lions. These games have become a cherished Thanksgiving tradition for many football fans.

The Dallas Cowboys and the Detroit Lions have a longstanding history of playing on Thanksgiving, and their games are often among the highlights of the day’s sports events. Families and friends often gather around the TV to watch these games together, adding to the festive atmosphere of the holiday. In addition to these two teams, other NFL games are also scheduled on Thanksgiving, providing a full day of football entertainment for fans across the country.

Presidential Turkey Pardon  

Since 1870, turkeys have been regarded as a special gift presented to American Presidents on Thanksgiving Day. However, in 2001, President George W. Bush, in an effort to show gratitude to animal welfare advocates, decided to grant clemency to a turkey and not use it for his own Thanksgiving feast.

This action garnered attention and respect from many, showcasing President Bush’s sensitivity to issues related to animal rights and environmental protection. Since then, the tradition of pardoning turkeys has evolved into an annual event held right at the White House. On this day, two turkeys granted clemency by the President are spared from being slaughtered for the rest of their lives. Moreover, they are treated to various amenities such as food, water, heating, and more.

Express Gratitude to Each Other

In the Thanksgiving feast, people typically participate in a gratitude ceremony where each person takes turns sharing what they are thankful for in the past year. This often begins with expressing gratitude for family and friends and then extends to other successes, support, and joys in life.

In addition to verbal expressions of gratitude, gift-giving is also an integral part of Thanksgiving Day. People often exchange gifts as a way to show appreciation and affection. These gifts can be traditional items like paintings, books, or jewellery, or they can be personalized gifts such as T-shirts, mugs, or other personalized crafts.

Conclusion

We hope this blog has provided you with insights and inspiration for celebrating Thanksgiving in your own unique way. Thanksgiving is not just a day; it’s a spirit of gratitude that can be embraced year-round. The act of giving thanks and showing appreciation for the blessings in our lives is a practice that can bring joy and fulfillment in every season.