Thankful for Traditions

As horribly tempting as it is to write at length on the tumultuous, outrageously expensive, grueling election our nation just survived, I will refrain. It's not that I don't believe politics are important; in fact, I think this election especially was crucial. But, writing about Obama will alienate 50% of Americans and writing about Romney will alienate the remaining 50%. And I'd like us all to be friends.

On that note, I'd like to mention the one day out of the year (other than the  once-every-4-years-presidential-election-day) that unites the entire country. At least 95% of the population. One of the greatest, if not the ultimate best, holidays of the year. Thanksgiving.

It takes all of us Americans, whether we are Republicans, Democrats, or Independents (or one of the other many, many parties) and takes us back to our roots. Or, our hypothetical roots (since most of us did not, in fact, cross the Atlantic on the Mayflower).

Yes, there is plenty of reason to cast a gloomy cloud on the holiday, as it historically can be associated with many sad events in our nations past. But, I'd like us all to be happy friends.

So, onto the main point. The wonder and beauty of Thanksgiving. I'd like to share my top 10 favorite Thanksgiving traditions. I'll admit, they're not all mine, but, thats the thing about traditions -- you can always make new ones.


10. Turkey Trot - What better way to acquire an appetite for the feast ahead than a run or walk in the brisk Thanksgiving morning air?  There's nothing better than feeling the cool air on your face, having your hands numb and all the while thinking of the hot turkey that awaits!

9. Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade - The giant balloons, Manhattan as crowded as ever and delicious food everywhere. Plus, if you stay the night, Black Friday in NYC is the greatest. Early Christmas shopping, anyone?


8. Touch-football game - Does this really require an explanation? Plus, it will also get your appetite ready to go!

7. Baking Pumpkin Pie - Two words for you: Delicious & Nutritious



6. Add marshmallows to those sweet potatoes - You won't be sorry!



5. Roast pumpkin seeds  Granted, this can be done as early as Halloween, but those hot roasted seeds right out of the oven are just as yummy on turkey day!

4. Two types of stuffing - Because stuffing inside the turkey is just not enough! There must be stuffing inside and outside.


3. Thanksgiving Play Production - How can you not, after Everybody Love's Raymond did such a fantastic job?

Skip to 7:40 for the skit! 

2. Give thanks - At the end of the meal, go around the table and name at least two things for which you are thankful.

1. Make a Cornucopia - Because I refuse to be cliché enough to have "Giving thanks" as the number one tradition. Plus, its creative, fun, and represents the abundance of food/harvests/goods that the holiday was founded on (well, theoretically, at least)






Happy holidays!