Thanksgiving has been celebrated for hundreds of years by many Americans. Although it is the same holiday, every family adds their own little touch to the holiday. What food is eaten throughout the day, who hosts and attends the party and what everyone wears differs from family to family. The controversial topic of when the Christmas tree should be put up is also a big debate in Thanksgiving traditions.
Turkey is typically the main course of the traditional Thanksgiving meal, but that is substituted at many dinners. Ham is a very common replacement. However, many other meats can be used as well. Some families do not even eat meat at all.
“My family decided not to even make the traditional turkey, because we all just were kind of faking liking it,” said math teacher Emily Parris. “So we don’t even make it anymore. We just do a whole bunch of appetizers. We do some of the traditional sides, like the green casserole, mac and cheese, and mashed potatoes.”
This tradition is not uncommon considering the countless delicious side dishes present every year. English teacher Lindsay Edwardson agrees with Parris in terms of enjoying the sides more.
“I’m a big sides person, so I don’t really need any turkey,” said Edwardson.
Many people avoid turkey, despite it being the stereotypical food of Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving dinner usually takes place at someone’s house. The hosting house varies depending on the family. Oftentimes, grandparents host, but that is not always the case. Family holds the most attendance. Occasionally, close friends show up as well.
“When we go to my family’s house, it’s family, and family friends,” said math teacher Allison Herrmann. “When we go to my husband’s house, it is just my in-laws, so it’s just family.”
Herrmann accurately represents that Thanksgiving can be celebrated with family, friends, or both.
Another tradition is the dress code for Thanksgiving parties. Many families, including Edwardson’s, wear nice clothes for Thanksgiving.
“I would be totally down if everyone was just wearing sweats,” said Edwardson. “That would be ideal for me. But usually the family dresses on the nicer side. Not fully dressed up, but jeans and a sweater or something.”
Parris is lucky enough to wear comfy clothes at her Thanksgiving dinner. Herrmann always makes sure she wears loose fitting clothes, knowing that she will be eating a lot. These three different traditions make it clear that clothing expectations vary from family to family.
The last tradition is probably the most controversial of all: does the Christmas tree go up before or after Thanksgiving? Surprisingly, all three teachers put it up before. Edwardson said that she would put it up as soon as the school year started if it was up to her. Several people argue putting the tree up before Thanksgiving because they feel as if the holiday is being skipped over. Others start celebrating Christmas right after Halloween, take a break on Thanksgiving Day, then resume the Christmas spirit the next day. The debate of when the tree goes up is disagreed upon countless of people.
Just like all holidays, every family has their own traditions when it comes to Thanksgiving. It could be food, clothing, location or anything else along those lines. Each tradition makes families special in their own, unique way.
