39 Extra Special Thanksgiving Traditions to Try This Year
Thanksgiving is a time for families to get together and make memories through long-honored traditions. For many, that may look like watching a football game, taking part in a Turkey Trot, expressing gratitude during dinner, or even volunteering at your local soup kitchen. But there are also plenty of customs that may be unique to an individual or family. Whether you're a true traditionalist or you're considering switching things up, here are 39 extra special Thanksgiving traditions that are guaranteed to change your holiday for the better this November.
Designate "Me Time"
Thanksgiving is all about the people you love, which can be as wonderful as it is exhausting. Before the house is flooded with the sights and sounds of the holiday, deliberately set aside an hour for everyone to do their own thing with no obligations to cook, clean, or make conversation. Take a moment to breathe and let the time serve as a reminder that this isn’t a celebration you have to host, but rather one you get to enjoy surrounded by loved ones. Trust us, everyone will be in a better mood for it by the time the celebration really kicks into gear.
Plan a Photo Opportunity
You might regret wearing that sweater or getting that haircut, but you’ll never actually regret taking the time to snap a family photo. Making it a tradition to take one each year is the perfect built-in way to capture memories consistently. Keep it simple with a basic portrait, or get creative by making a theme or creating a festive backdrop each year. You’ll cherish the keepsakes for years to come.
Have Someone Else Cook Breakfast
While the host is preheating ovens and mixing up stuffing, take the weight off their shoulders by having someone else handle the morning meal. Even if it’s just a quick run to pick up coffee and bagels, it’s a nice gesture of appreciation to whoever is chef-ing up the real feast.
Serve Up a Signature Cocktail
Have some fun with this one. Make an annual tradition of mixing up a pitcher of Caramel Apple Mules for everyone to sip on, or try a different cocktail recipe each year! Cranberry Sauce Gin and Tonics? Where do we sign up? This booze-based idea is sure to please.
Pass Down a Family Recipe—Or Make a New One
Stuck seeing the same dishes at every single Thanksgiving? Year after year, it’s always grandma’s cherry pie or an uncle’s mashed potato recipe. But if you've inherited old recipe cards or cookbooks from family members, there's no better time to dig into these archives than on the biggest noshing holiday of all. Pick out something in the holiday theme, something that sounds delicious, or just something unusual from a bygone era—even if the recipe doesn't become an immediate hit with your crew, the adventure of trying it out is half the fun.
If you don’t have handed down recipes, not to worry. There’s more than enough inspo to be found on the web. Year by year, give everyone a turn to pick out a new recipe to try–or maybe send out options and have guests vote on which one they’d like to see on the Thanksgiving spread!
Start a Sharing Circle
Although everyone spends a lot of time “catching up” with those they haven’t seen in a while, these conversations can become redundant and often don’t go beyond surface level. While everyone is gathered around the table (or the bar, no judgement), give each person the opportunity to share something new about themselves. Maybe it’s an exciting project they took on at work, something new they just learned, or their latest musical obsession. It doesn’t really matter what it is, it’ll help everyone get to know each other a little better.
Raise a Glass
This might already be an unspoken tradition at your Thanksgiving table, so take it to the next level by designating someone to be the official toast-maker. Or, depending on the size of your celebration, go around and give everyone the chance to make a quick toast. Whether it’s a full-blown monologue, an emotional dedication, or a simple “cheers to family,” it’s a great way to kick off the meal.
Reminisce and Remember Lost Loved Ones
On a day made for spending time with the people you care about most, set aside a little of it to think of loved ones who have passed on. Get everyone to gather and share a story or a special moment they remember; through those memories, you keep your loved ones alive in your hearts and can pass on important family legacies to the next generation.
Consider asking everyone to bring a few cherished family photos as well. Whether it’s of someone you’re missing who can’t be there, or just a silly picture of the kids, it’s always nice to pore over photos together.
Give the Gift of Tupperware
We're all for Thanksgiving hostess gifts, and it's great to bring a potluck item or bottle of wine to contribute, but the number one headache for your Thanksgiving host? Food containers. The food prep and cooking are only half the battle. Then there’s figuring out how to store all that extra stuffing and of course, trying to squeeze it all into the fridge in the ultimate game of Tetris. This year, instead of contending with the awkward "what can I bring" quandaries (not to mention the ecological concerns of all those disposable plastic dishes), start the tradition of giving the host what they actually need most—a way to send everyone home with all of those holiday leftovers. Tell everyone to bring at least one container to carry their own helping of turkey and dressing home at the end of the night. As bonus, there’s no “I’ll get this Pyrex back to you at Christmas!” to deal with.
Get Creative with Leftovers
Speaking of sending guests home with leftovers, consider also sending them home with a fun idea of how to use them the next day. After all, you can only eat turkey sandwiches so many days in a row. This can be as simple as printing out a recipe for something like sweet potato hummus or a pumpkin pie milkshake, but it’ll make a lasting impression on your guests and give you something to talk when you see each other at the next family gathering!
Catch Up with Far-Off Family
Thanksgiving get-togethers have looked a bit different for us over the last couple of years. And while many of us are looking forward and thankful to be celebrating in person again, some near and dear loved ones might not be around to attend this year's festivities. In that case, give your traditions a 21st–century boost and embrace the wonders of technology by setting up a time to video chat with everyone you're missing during the holiday with a tasty Thanksgiving cocktail or glass of red in hand. That way, everyone can catch up and take part in the happy occasion together.
Turn It Into Game Night
When desserts over but you’re not quite ready for the fun to end, why not pull out the board games? Charades, card games, or even dice games make a truly fun yearly tradition and require little to no planning or thought in advance.
Watch the Parade (and the Dog Show)
For many, it simply wouldn't be Thanksgiving without a viewing of the Macy's Day Parade or the National Dog show, so consider this your permission to keep them on in the background while you load pies into the oven (not that you needed it).
Play a Little Football… or Watch It
You don’t have to be a sporty family to have a little football fun. Divide the family into teams and head out to the yard to throw around the pigskin and work up an appetite. Or, if you’re a decidedly un-sporty family, but still have love for the game, gather around the flat screen and root on your team of choice–without risking a trip to the E.R. on turkey day.
Do a Wishbone Scavenger Hunt
This is a great way to keep kids of all ages entertained during the post-meal lull. Early in the day, have teens or unoccupied adults decide on a hiding spot for the turkey’s wishbone. (Bonus points if they want to make come up with clues and stash those around the house, too!) Once dinner is over, send the little ones out to search for the wishbone–or the hints leading to it. The first two to arrive get to split the wishbone—the winner gets a wish, second place gets first pick of the desserts!
Take a Walk or Hike
The siren song of the dessert table is strong, but the truth is that no one can really appreciate that perfect slice of pumpkin pie fully when they're stuffed with, well, stuffing. Give yourselves a break from the food fest, and do your body some good, by heading outside for a walk. Head to a nearby hiking trail or take a few laps around the neighborhood. The fresh air will help ward off the post-dinner urge to snooze, you'll burn off at least a couple of calories, and it's the perfect time to enjoy the beauty of autumn before winter sneaks up on you.
Have a Movie Marathon
Prefer your after dinner activities more subdued? Stick to the indoors by picking out a few family-favorite Thanksgiving films and really settle in. It may not be the most over-the-top holiday tradition, but it's sure to be one that everybody will look forward to.
Play a Gratitude Guessing Game
At the start of the festivities, have everyone write a few things they're thankful for on slips of paper and place them into a jar. After dinner is over, let everyone take turns drawing a slip out and try to guess who put which "thanks" into the jar. Not only is it a fun way to see how much you all know about each other, it also encourages everyone to get creative about what they're thankful for this holiday.
Do Good for Others
Counterintuitive as it may seem, Thanksgiving isn't actually the most helpful day of the year to volunteer at your local soup kitchen; many charities find themselves flooded with one-time volunteers without the space or time to teach them how to help. But that doesn't mean you can't make the world a better place on Thanksgiving.
Instead of the usual wine or flowers, ask each of your guests to bring canned goods or clothing that you can donate to a local shelter after the holiday. Or sit down together and plan out a day in the future for the whole family to volunteer for a charity.
Document Memories
Lay out a sheet of butcher paper on an unused cabinet or table (if there’s even one to spare) or hang one on the wall for all your guests to sign. At the end of the day, ask everyone to jot down something memorable about the day. Perhaps it’s the funny one-liner that made everyone at the table laugh or a sweet moment between family members. Alternatively, everyone could write down something specific they’re grateful for that year. Fold the paper up and tuck it away somewhere special. Next year, lay the old sheets out along with the new one for everyone to look back on and remember Thanksgivings past, like a time capsule in pen and paper.
Kick Off the Holiday Season
For many, Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the winter holiday season. Consider recreating some of the these traditions in November by exchanging early Hanukkah gifts, singing a carole and popping Christmas crackers, or simply serving your Aunt's iconic mistletoe martinis after your feast as a way of marking the start of the next celebratory season.
For some extra fun, plan an ornament exchange for after dinner. Tell everyone in advance to bring a Christmas ornament, and then have each person (or family unit) pick one grab-bag style. It’s a fun and simple tradition that also adds a memorable touch to your Christmas tree.
Plan a "Friendsgiving"
Even if your friends all have plans on Thanksgiving Day, consider gathering for a meal of good food and gratitude during the month of November. A feast with chosen family is always a good idea, and is sure to make for a cherished tradition for years to come.
Reflect on the Year
The past two and a half years have been ones for the books. Spend a little time this Thanksgiving thinking about the 2022 year thus far. Go month by month and recall something positive that happened, something you accomplished, or a way that you were particularly fortunate.
Participate in a Turkey Trot
If you find yourself a part of an active family, waiting around all day for food may not be too favorable for everyone. Participating in a Turkey Trot is a great way to enjoy a crisp autumn morning as a family. Not only does the 5k run get the adrenalin pumping, but most Thanksgiving races are also organized in conjunction with a charitable organization. So you can get your steps in, while also supporting a good cause.
Host a Potluck
Change things up by getting everyone involved in a potluck. Invite family and friends over and have them bring their favorite dish. This tradition is great for a family get-together, a Friendsgiving, or even a Thanksgiving-themed office party.
Incorporate Ethnic Cuisines
As much as we can't get enough of sweet potato casserole with marshmallows and cheesy mac and cheese, incorporating a curry or perhaps replacing the turkey with a french style duck confit is a creative way to take your meal up a notch. Tap into your heritage and try foods that are traditional to your ancestry.
Travel to a Luxurious Destination
Instead of staying home, turn the four-day weekend into a holiday getaway with your loved ones. There are tons of places to spend Thanksgiving, like at a cozy retreat in upstate New York, an extravagant castle in Ireland, or a tropical, beach-side resort in the Maldives.
Prepare for Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sales
While there once was a time when families camped out at stores post-meal to nab the very best deal, these days, you can skip the lines and crowds by scouting for the most popular sales online. For families who enjoy shopping together, Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales are a great idea to get an early start on buying holiday gifts while also bonding together. Happy shopping!
Have an Ugly Sweater Contest
Though ugly sweater contests are a Christmas tradition, you can make it a Thanksgiving tradition with silly knits featuring motifs of turkeys, whimsical embellishments, and hilarious quotes. Great for office parties, family gatherings, and Friendsgivings, the tops are sure to put a smile on everyone's face during the holiday season. And remember: The uglier, the better!
Decorate Thanksgiving Cookies
For a kid-friendly activity, decorating Thanksgiving cookies as a whole will never disappoint. Guests old and young will have a blast showing off their holiday-cookie making skills with Thanksgiving-themed cookie cutters, colorful icing, and fun sprinkles. If you want to take your decoration game to the next level, turn the project into a themed contest with judges. The person or group with the most creative treats wins a prize. And what's that? Well, that's up to you, of course.
Get the Feast Catered—or Dine Out
Between the hosting duties and cooking the many dishes, Thanksgiving can understandably be a stress-inducing holiday. If spending your day in an apron by the stovetop and oven isn't exactly your idea of a celebration, let the pros handle it. And by that, we mean order in take-out or dine out. Whether it's a big feast for the entire family or an intimate dinner for two, there are several top-rated restaurants that are open on Thanksgiving, especially in New York City. Not only are you getting tasty meals, but you're treating yourself to a pressure-free dinner—and that's the ultimate win-win in our eyes.
Host a Pie Competition
Whether it's pumpkin, apple, or cherry, everyone has that one pie recipe they swear by and claim can't be beat. This November put them to the test with a little friendly competition. If you're hosting, enlist several of your guests to be in charge of baking their favorite pie and bringing it over. During dessert time, you can grade their homemade creations by presentation and tasting. It's a sweet deal when you think about it: you'll get to indulge in delicious desserts and have one less thing to cook.
Write Thank You Notes
Nothing says Thanksgiving gratitude like thank you cards. There's a lot to be thankful for, and one of the best ways to express your feelings and show your appreciation for others is through a handwritten note. Write them up before dinner, and then read them aloud to everyone during dessert. It's a feel-good tradition that is sure to be followed by generations to come.
Play Festive Music
What's a celebration without good tunes? Whether you're setting the table, preparing the feast, hanging out in the living room, or enjoying your meal, listening to festive music is a surefire way to put everyone in a good mood. Key songs to add to your Thanksgiving playlist include "I've Got Plenty to be Thankful for" by Bing Crosby, "Apples, Peaches, and Pumpkin Pie" by Jay & the Techniques, and "Do the Mashed Potatoes" by James Brown.
Hold a Secret Santa—But Make It Thanksgiving
Sure, Secret Santa is a Christmas tradition and won't start for another couple of weeks, but it's never too early to get in on the anonymous-gifting fun. Here's how to make it work for Thanksgiving: A few weeks before the holiday, every participant will be assigned to another member of the group for whom to provide a small gift at a set amount. (Won't be together beforehand? No problem! There are several online generators you can use.) Whose ever name you selected is the person you are tasked with buying a gift for. Come Thanksgiving day, the group should open up the presents one by one and guess who their gift was from.
Rotate Hosting Duties
Who says the hosting duties should be left to one person year after year? Start a new tradition of rotating Thanksgiving dinner, so that everyone has a chance to hold their own celebration with their own little twists. It will make your life a whole lot easier and fresher.
Do Arts & Crafts Activities
If there are little ones part of the Thanksgiving festivities, get them involved by taking part in crafty activities. That can be coloring in a hand-shaped turkey, painting and bedazzling gourds, or drawing out a thankful banner. The options are endless—plus, you can use their creative masterpieces as decorative accents around the house or on the table.
Switch up Your Stunning Seasonal Table
There are tons of Thanksgiving table setting decor ideas, and the holidays couldn't be a better time to showcase your skills. It is a great opportunity to incorporate seasonal accents that go beyond everyday dishes, placemats, and napkins. As a bonus, you can even throw in some Thanksgiving-themed placeholders with place cards for a touch of personalization. And what guest wouldn't love walking into a home with a beautifully set table?
Play a Trivia Game
Did you know it took 35 years of lobbying for Thanksgiving to become a national holiday? Or that Thanksgiving leftovers led to the first ever TV dinner? If not, here's your chance to turn this year's celebration into a trivia night with interesting Thanksgiving facts in multiple choice question form. At the end of the evening, everyone can discuss their answers until the right one is announced.
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