Thanksgiving: A Tradition From Years Ago
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Thanksgiving is that time of year when families and friends gather together to celebrate and give thanks for a year of life. It is a celebration that has some very deep roots and though many people commonly think the United States has the copyright on Thanksgiving, that is not the case. There are so many traditions associated with this holiday. Some automatically think of the Pilgrims and the first fall they held when they came to America. But Thanksgiving traditions can be extremely wide and varied. You do not have to stick with the same old turkey and stuffing recipes that have been in your family for decades. You can shake things up a bit and start your own tradition. In this article we will cover the basics of how Thanksgiving got started and even provide you with some help when it comes to celebrating your Thanksgiving this year.
How have Thanksgiving traditions changed over time?
The earliest mentions of a Thanksgiving type celebration have changed greatly over time. Hundreds of years ago the meal would have been quite meager when compared to the feasts that occur today. The meal itself would have been made up of game meat, perhaps deer or a wild turkey, and would have been quite simple to prepare. Over time the festivities have changed and become larger and more elaborate. Families now gather together over huge festive food spreads that range from a 20 pound turkey to a decorated ham. Even the after meal traditions have changed. In the past family would use that holiday time to talk to one another and catch up on the year’s happenings. There would be more a focus on the religious overtones and thankfulness. That is not to say that these things still do not happen. But now other traditions have entered into the picture. What would a Thanksgiving gathering be without the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade or the big game? So though the dishes may have changed and some of the activities, the overall appreciation for family and friends is still there.
I want my Thanksgiving traditions to be different, how can I do this?
Well, the word “tradition” means that it has been followed in the past. But do not let that deter you. If you want to change your Thanksgiving tradition to something new and exciting, it is up to you to do it. One way you may start it off is by changing the food that you serve at your dinner or the dish that you bring to a family or friend’s house. People expect the same food year after year but you can add a dish from a different culture to bring an exotic appeal to the buffet line. You can also change how you celebrate the day. If members of your family or friend’s always seem to work Thanksgiving Day, change your gathering to a different day. For an even novel idea you could try taking your family on a mini vacation as a way to unwind and truly enjoy your day or two off. Thanksgiving can be anything you want it to be. There are no written laws that say you have to stuff yourself with turkey and then fall asleep on the couch watching the football game.
What types of foods are served at Thanksgiving?
The types of food served at Thanksgiving vary depending on where you are at. In the Southern United States you will often find cornbread dressing, roast turkey, sweet potatoes with marshmallows and pecan pies served. In the Northern United States you may find ham, stuffing and a cranberry salad. The dishes vary as widely as the ethnicities that serve them. Different families have different Thanksgiving traditions that they uphold. So you may find deviled eggs, fruit pies, cornbread, deer/venison or even chicken being served. For those brave folks you can always serve a Turducken. Though it sounds funny it is actually a turkey stuffed with a duck that is stuffed with a chicken and stuffing. Each year it grows in popularity so it may not be long before you are serving it at your next Thanksgiving Day dinner.
How has the current economy affected many people’s Thanksgiving traditions?
In the past it was fairly standard for many people to fly across the country to be reunited with friends and family members where they grew up. Today’s economy is making that quite difficult. Airfare is increasing daily and most families can simply not afford to travel great distances to visit family or friends for Thanksgiving. That does not mean that the Thanksgiving traditions cannot be continued. You can still find ways to celebrate this holiday but make it within financial means.
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