A note from the editors
Ever since the Pilgrims’ first harvest in the New World in 1621, American households to this day celebrate the joyous holiday of Thanksgiving.
The Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians first shared their harvests in feast; since that inaugural meal,Thanksgiving has become a long lasting tradition in which friends and families come together throughout the nation to enjoy food and fellowship.
On this well known holiday, many travel across the country to visit with loved ones and celebrate their own traditions. Whether it be Aunt Susan bringing her famous sweet potato casserole or fighting with siblings over who gets to break the turkey’s wishbone, there are many traditions that can bring people together during the holidays.
Along with these common traditions that most families partake in, there are many unique ones that are practiced throughout the nation that are worth stealing.
For example, forget saving room for supper and start the day off right by indulging in a bountiful and festive breakfast with stacks of pancakes miles high and pies galore. This could be a fun way to celebrate the holiday as the sun rises, allowing families to gather in the kitchen in the morning to share waffle recipes and wonder how anyone will have room for dinner.
However, there is no need to worry about that as the pounds gained from breakfast can be walked off with a mid morning hike with friends and family. This is a great way to come together and appreciate surrounding family while connecting with nature and blazing trails. The outdoors can also serve as great place for playing a game of football, tossing a frisbee, or even a fun photo op to capture moments and memories that will last a lifetime.
As the day gets later and dinner grows nearer, a creative idea to show gratitude with loved ones is to collectively write things each other is thankful for on a butcher’s paper table cloth. It’s easy to lay down, serves as a great way to share thanks, and is something that can be kept in the absence of food stains.
Traditions are meant to be broken and built upon. This Thanksgiving, be unique and share new, life-lasting traditions that will defy Thanksgiving norms and bring loved ones together.
Claire Marie Avery and Ansley Flowers are Co-Editors of Paw Prints