From sentimental practices passed down through decades to new twists that reflect changing times, signature Thanksgiving traditions fill this holiday with nostalgia, meaning and comfort. They transform typical Thursday gatherings into unforgettable occasions filled with signature moments and memories.
Below we’ve curated the top 10 best Thanksgiving traditions celebrated coast to coast. You’ll discover heart-warming customs along with inspiring ideas to start new practices. Classics like the Turkey Trot, friendly football games, and volunteering at soup kitchens appear alongside emerging trends. Read on for traditions that define Thanksgiving merriment, connection, and giving spirit year after year.
This Thanksgiving, make time to enjoy annual traditions while also embracing creative new customs that feel uniquely your own. Use this handpicked list to inspire celebrating in style – no matter who you spend the day with or where the gathering takes place.
Top 10 Best Thanksgiving Evers
Thanksgiving brings families and friends together each year to enjoy feasts, fun, and gratitude for life’s blessings. While turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie are certainly stars of the show, traditions are the glue that bonds our celebrations across generations.
From sentimental practices passed down through decades to new twists that reflect changing times, signature Thanksgiving traditions fill this holiday with nostalgia, meaning and comfort. They transform typical Thursday gatherings into unforgettable occasions filled with signature moments and memories.
Below we’ve curated the top 10 best Thanksgiving traditions celebrated coast to coast. You’ll discover heart-warming customs along with inspiring ideas to start new practices. Classics like the Turkey Trot, friendly football games, and volunteering at soup kitchens appear alongside emerging trends. Read on for traditions that define Thanksgiving merriment, connection, and giving spirit year after year.
This Thanksgiving, make time to enjoy annual traditions while also embracing creative new customs that feel uniquely your own. Use this handpicked list to inspire celebrating in style – no matter who you spend the day with or where the gathering takes place.
Gather the family to share in the heartwarming story of Best Thanksgiving Ever, a touching film about embracing life’s blessings against all odds. When tragedy strikes Chicago couple Joy and Todd as the holiday season approaches, they struggle to rediscover gratitude, connection and hope. But four special children who show up unannounced at their apartment may just spark the Christmas spirit they need to heal and find a deeper purpose.
This poignant, uplifting movie follows Joy and Todd’s journey out of grief as they forge an unlikely bond with their four young, mysterious visitors. Each child arrives burdened by their own distinct troubles that seem beyond young years. Through acts of compassion, generosity and forgiveness, together they create new traditions and find joy in simple things – just in time to save Thanksgiving. From sharing stories over stuffing to starting grateful journals under the glow of the Northern Lights, we witness the transformative power of belief.
Complete with touching life lessons, magical realism and the true meaning of the season, Best Thanksgiving Ever reminds us to open our hearts in order to receive life’s imperfect gifts. Set against the backdrop of a miraculously blessed holiday table, this film speaks to the childlike faith in us all. Destined to be a new family classic, it captures the timeless message that there is always something to be grateful for, no matter the circumstances.
With his latest release, “Thanksgiving Everyday – EP”, emerging singer-songwriter John Smith offers a musical feast for the ears. Smith’s intimate vocals and acoustic guitar form the backbone of this five-track collection, augmented by subtle orchestral arrangements that add warmth and depth. Lyrically, Smith focuses on themes of gratitude, savoring the small joys of everyday life.
The opening track “Morning Light” sets the tone, a gentle wake-up call to be present and mindful as a new day dawns. On “Little Things” Smith reminds us that happiness can be found in simple pleasures – a shared meal, a child’s laughter, a sunset. The title track is an upbeat anthem, overflowing with appreciation for friendship, family, and the privilege of being alive.
Smith slows things down with the gorgeous “Lullaby”, a poetic ode to resting in peace and contentment. He closes out the EP with “Winding Down”, relaxed reflections as another day comes to a close. The instrumentation is sparse yet evocative, primarily Smith’s heartfelt vocals and guitar along with strings that swell and subside.
With “Thanksgiving Everyday – EP” John Smith serves up an inspiring musical feast, savoring life’s beauty both great and small. This collection of songs has much to satisfy heart and mind.
Gather round the TV this holiday season for a heartwarming comedy that celebrates the chaotic magic of family. “Best Thanksgiving Ever” follows the Taylor family as they host Thanksgiving dinner for the first time. Middle sister Amy is determined to pull off the perfect holiday despite her bickering siblings, food-obsessed father and artsy, hippie mother.
Written and directed by up-and-coming filmmaker Janie Jones, “Best Thanksgiving Ever” uses humor and hijinks to explore universal themes of family, tradition and belonging. Jones assembles a stellar comedic cast, led by veteran actor Tom Hanks as loveable patriarch Doug Taylor. Sarah Jessica Parker plays his wife Kay, an eccentric artist who adds her own funky touches to the traditional Thanksgiving meal. Rising stars Awkwafina, Lil Rel Howery and Adam DeVine play the Taylor siblings, whose epic sibling rivalry threatens to ruin the big day.
Viewers can expect plenty of theatrical food fights, family football fiascos and zany mishaps as the Taylor strive for that Norman Rockwell-esque holiday image. While the laugh-out-loud comedy takes center stage, Jones smartly weaves in poignant moments where the family bonds in crisis. In the end, the Taylor family accepts each other, flaws and all, in a heartfelt celebration of imperfection.
With its energetic ensemble cast, madcap humor and ultimate feel-good message, “Best Thanksgiving Ever” delivers a cinematic feast perfect for the holiday season. This zany Turkey Day comedy brings dysfunctional family fun to the screen.
Get ready for some holiday hijinks with everyone’s favorite furry red monster in the delightful new storybook “Elmo’s Best Thanksgiving Ever!” Join Elmo, Big Bird, Cookie Monster and all their Sesame Street friends as they prepare for a Thanksgiving feast to remember.
In this charming tale written by Constance Allen and illustrated by Tom Brannon, Elmo is put in charge of bringing the turkey centerpiece for the neighborhood feast. But in classic Elmo fashion, things don’t go quite as planned on his way to meet the others. Children will giggle along as Elmo encounters a series of silly obstacles, from rambunctious dogs to messy puddles to runaway parade balloons. With help from Abby Cadabby’s magic spells, Elmo manages to overcome each ridiculous roadblock.
Brannon’s vibrant illustrations capture the spirit of Sesame Street, with familiar faces like Grover, Bert, Ernie and Count von Count gathering around a cozy table to give thanks. Allen’s rhyming text bounces along with energy and humor. As always, Elmo’s innocence, optimism and compassion shine through as he learns lessons about patience, teamwork and understanding.
This delightful romp through a topsy-turvy Thanksgiving day reminds kids to hold on to hope even when things seem to go wrong. Elmo’s joyful spirit is contagious, making “Elmo’s Best Thanksgiving Ever!” the perfect gift to spark smiles for the whole family this holiday season.
Get ready for Thanksgiving hilarity with the twins of Sweet Valley in Francine Pascal’s charming holiday story, “The Best Thanksgiving Ever.” Part of the popular Sweet Valley Kids series, this lighthearted adventure follows mischievous seven-year-old twins Jessica and Elizabeth Wakefield as they attempt to host the perfect Thanksgiving celebration.
After their parents leave town, the twins decide to prepare the whole Thanksgiving feast themselves – certain that they can do it better than anyone else. But Jessica and Elizabeth’s complete lack of cooking experience soon leads to a kitchen in complete chaos. From a disastrous burnt turkey to collapsed pumpkin pies, the twins realize they may have taken on more than they can handle.
Will the Wakefield Thanksgiving end in disaster? Longtime fans will delight in seeing the sisters get into familiar mischief while also learning heartwarming lessons about family, teamwork and the true meaning of the holiday. Pascal’s humorous text and Eileen Darby’s cheerful illustrations capture the personalities of the spirited blonde twins that made the Sweet Valley franchise so beloved.
Full of hilarious turkey mishaps and sisterly spirit, “The Best Thanksgiving Ever” serves up a fun family adventure perfect for the fall season. Pascal reminds us that holidays are about more than just perfect meals and decorations – they’re about togetherness, love and making memories. This sweet story is sure to become a new Thanksgiving tradition for longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Gifting something unique and heartfelt is the best way to show your mom how much you care. This acrylic night light makes for a thoughtful gift that illuminates her room with a warm glow and reminds her of your love. Keep reading to learn the pros, cons and key details about this sentimental mom gift.
Pros
Meaningful and personalized design – says “Love You Mom” in a child’s handwriting for a sweet, custom touch.
Warm white LED lights create a soft glow perfect for bedrooms, hallways, bathrooms etc.
Energy efficient and cool to the touch for safe, long-lasting illumination.
Acrylic construction is shatterproof and durable. Easy to clean.
Plugs into any standard wall outlet. Compatible with Alexa & Google Home for voice control.
Sweet gift idea for Mother’s Day, mom’s birthday, Christmas, Thanksgiving or just because.
Cons
Some reviewers say the light is a bit dim for large rooms. Best for smaller spaces.
Must be handled carefully as acrylic can crack if dropped.
Light color is not adjustable, only available in warm white.
Cord is relatively short at just under 5 feet long. May need an extension cord.
Summary
This acrylic LED night light makes a heartfelt gift to show mom how much you care. The personalized “Love You Mom” message in a child’s handwriting adds a sweet, custom touch. Perfect for illuminating bedrooms, bathrooms, hallways and more with a soft warm white glow. Durable shatterproof acrylic construction ensures long-lasting use. An affordable and meaningful gift idea for Mother’s Day, birthdays, Christmas, Thanksgiving or just because. Lets mom know she is loved and appreciated.
Get ready for some silly, feather-ruffling fun just in time for Thanksgiving with the hilarious new picture book “Never EVER Tickle a Turkey” by beloved children’s author Rochelle Bloom. Beautifully illustrated by Ann Abelowitz, this rhyming romp teaches kids exactly why you should avoid tickling these temperamental birds.
The story follows Little Jake, who is eagerly waiting for the guests to arrive and the turkey feast to begin. But he just can’t resist poking, prodding and tickling the plump turkey his parents cooked. Chaos quickly ensues as the tickled turkey springs to life and angrily chases a panicked Jake around the house before bursting onto the Thanksgiving scene with all the startled guests.
Bloom’s playful rhymes paired with Abelowitz’s expressive, cartoon-style art will have both kids and parents giggling over this turkey tale gone wrong. The catchy refrain “Never EVER tickle a turkey, learned my lesson – it’s no fun!” will get stuck in readers’ heads long after the story is done. With its amusing blend of humor and holiday flair, “Never EVER Tickle a Turkey” is sure to become a repeated favorite every Thanksgiving.
Bloom gently reminds even the most restless kids to avoid tempting turkeys, respect the food on the table and appreciate the blessings of the season. This hilarious turkey adventure makes a perfect gift and read aloud to get the family chuckling before they enjoy their own Thanksgiving feast.
This decorative jewelry tray makes a thoughtful gift for a special aunt. The sentimental design and useful function make it a personalized present she’ll cherish. Read on for key details on the pros, cons and features of this unique aunt gift idea.
Pros
Meaningful quote design says “To My Favorite Aunt” – perfect sentiment for World’s Best Aunt.
Tarnish-resistant and scratch resistant for durable, long-lasting use.
Elegant glass construction with beveled edges. Shatterproof and easy to clean.
Generous size (9.5″x5.75″) with multiple compartments to organize jewelry.
Velvet bottom lining prevents scratches and slips. Keeps valuables safe.
Great for holding rings, earrings, watches, trinkets, coins, keys etc.
Suitable for bedrooms, bathrooms, dressers, vanities and more.
Cons
Glass is prone to smudging and fingerprints. Needs frequent wiping down.
Does not have non-slip pads on the bottom. Can slide around on slick surfaces.
Not recommended for holding heavy items that could shatter the glass.
The glass is transparent so contents are visible. Not great for hiding valuables.
Summary
This glass jewelry tray with a heartwarming “To My Favorite Aunt” quote makes an affordable yet meaningful gift for aunts. The elegant design provides organized storage for rings, earrings, trinkets and more. An ideal birthday, Mother’s Day, Christmas, Thanksgiving or appreciation present to show love for a wonderful aunt. The sentimental value and useful functionality make it a gift she’ll truly cherish.
Gather around with Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang for a heartwarming holiday comedy that has delighted families for over 45 years. Created by legendary cartoonist Charles M. Schulz, 1973’s “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” follows Charlie Brown as he plans a holiday dinner for his friends, with hilariously chaotic results.
When Peppermint Patty invites herself and the gang over to Charlie Brown’s house for Thanksgiving, he panics since he will be by himself – his family is away visiting relatives. Ever kindhearted, Charlie Brown agrees to host and prepare a feast for his friends despite his lack of cooking skills. What follows is a silly misadventure involving toast, popcorn, and jelly beans served as Thanksgiving dinner.
Through charming sequences and iconic Vince Guaraldi music, “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” captures all the warmth, humor and innocence that Peanuts fans cherish. Though Charlie Brown’s dinner goes comically awry, he still reminds his friends and viewers of the deeper meaning behind Thanksgiving – it’s about more than just food, it’s about togetherness.
This delightful Peanuts special is sure to appeal to kids and parents alike, reminding families to slow down, savor time with loved ones, and focus on giving thanks. It’s a perfect way to get into the holiday spirit, cuddled up watching timeless antics of Charlie Brown and his pals.
Picking the perfect gift to show your grandmother how much you care can be tricky. This customized grandma keychain makes a thoughtful, budget-friendly choice she’ll cherish. Read on for a summary of the pros, cons and details about this unique grandma gift.
Pros
Sweet personalized design with hand-stamped “I Love My Grandma” message.
Crafted from stainless steel – durable, tarnish and rust resistant.
Elegant floral design with Swarovski crystal birthstone in her favorite color.
Includes key ring and box for easy gifting.
High quality engraving ensures the text won’t fade or wear off.
Affordable price point under $15. Great value for a custom gift.
Suitable for grandmothers, nanas, meemaws – any cherished grandparent figure.
Cons
Chain is not included – must purchase separately if desired.
Swarovski birthstone can fall out if chain breaks and keychain drops.
Engraving text is fixed – cannot customize further with names etc.
Stainless steel can scratch over time if not handled with care.
Only available in silver tone finish. No other metal color options.
Summary
This customized grandma keychain makes a thoughtful, budget-friendly gift from grandchildren of all ages. The hand-stamped “I Love My Grandma” message and birthstone floral design add a sweet, personal touch grandmothers will adore. Crafted from durable stainless steel to last for years to come. A meaningful keepsake she can attach to her keys or handbag to feel loved every day. Perfect for birthdays, Mother’s Day, Christmas, holidays and more. Affordable price allows buying multiple for all the grandmas in your life. A unique memento of the special bond between grandchildren and their beloved grandmothers.
Tips for Choosing the Best Thanksgiving Celebration
Thanksgiving is one of the most beloved holidays of the year. When done right, it brings family and friends together to give thanks and enjoy each other’s company. However, hosting Thanksgiving can also be stressful and challenging. Use these tips to choose the best Thanksgiving celebration for you and your guests.
Set a Budget
Determining a Thanksgiving budget helps guide decisions about food, décor, and entertainment. Review costs for turkey, side dishes, baking ingredients, beverages, decorations, and any activities or games planned. Allow for some wiggle room but set a comfortable spending cap to reduce holiday stress.
Guest List and RSVPs
Create your guest list to determine how many people you plan to host. Send invitations 4-6 weeks in advance requesting RSVPs at least two weeks beforehand. This provides an accurate headcount to shop and cook for accordingly. Follow up with guests who haven’t RSVP’d 1-2 weeks before Thanksgiving to confirm.
Menu and Recipes
Choose menu items accounting for guest preferences, dietary restrictions, cook time, oven space, and skill level. Find delicious recipes for each dish while balancing traditional fare and new flavors. Assign dishes for potluck-style gatherings. Shop for ingredients with a printout of all recipes and make advance preparations as possible.
Table Setting and Décor
Set a festive mood with autumnal decorations and accents. Use a tablecloth, cloth napkins, centerpiece, and place cards for a fuller table setting. Feature candles, wreaths, garlands, and seasonal flowers as statement décor. Display photo boards or a guest book for sentimental touches.
Entertainment and Activities
Entertaining guests fosters meaningful interactions beyond the dinner table. Have activity ideas on hand like backyard games, football viewing, group karaoke, charades, crafts, or volunteering opportunities. Prepare some conversation starters as well to get guests engaged.
Keeping these key tips in mind will help you plan a phenomenal Thanksgiving full of gratitude, connection, and warmth.