Thanksgiving Traditions NOW VS 50 YEARS AGO - 1976 VS 2026 BY AMELIA ROESSLER
E ach year, families across America gath- er for one of its favorite celebrations: Thanksgiving. While every family’s celebration looks a little different, plenty of familiar traditions have stood the test of time: roasting a turkey, watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, cheering on a foot- ball game, and saving room for pie. But how much has Thanksgiving really changed? From gelatin molds to Turkey Trots, we dove into the history of the holiday and how Thanksgiving now might look a little different from Thanksgiving celebrations 50 years ago. How Thanksgiving Became a Tradition Most of us were taught that the history of Thanksgiving was when the Pilgrims and the Native Americans came together to celebrate the fall harvest. Americans traditionally rec- ognize the “first”Thanksgiving as a 1621 feast at Plymouth Colony, when the Pilgrims cele- brated their first harvest alongside members of the neighboring Wampanoag tribe. But Thanksgiving didn’t immediately become an annual holiday. Over the following years, colonies observed days of thanksgiving at dif- ferent times and for different reasons.
proclaimed November 26 a national day of thanksgiving, although it did not establish a permanent federal holiday. It wasn’t until the Civil War that President Abraham Lincoln called for a regular national Thanksgiving observance in 1863, setting the stage for the holiday Americans continue to celebrate today. Today’s Feasts When you think of Thanksgiving today, you might picture the table decorated and filled with platters of food, a gathering of family, the TV showing the parade or a football game (or two). Or maybe you imagine the morn- ing’s Turkey Trot, dreading or excited for the race. (Married into a Turkey Trot family? Good luck when Thanksgiving rolls around and you have to join the obligatory crowd racing in the chill.) First, you start the day full of excitement and American spirit. Across the country, people are kicking off the day with colorful parades, live music, and community celebrations. The most famous of all events is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City with enormous balloons, marching bands, and dazzling floats.
celebrations wouldn’t be complete without a game of NFL football. Since the early 20th century, NFL games have been a cornerstone of the Thanksgiving holiday. But the Thanksgiving meal is at the heart of the holiday. At the center is almost always a glistening, giant, roast turkey. Joining the turkey are a lineup of delicious sides: creamy mashed potatoes, herby stuffing, tangy cranberry sauce, gravy, and sweet potato cas- seroles topped with marshmallows. It’s like Christmas without the pressure of gifts.
Other traditions include: Presidential Turkey Pardon Break the wishbone for good luck
Pumpkin pie Black Friday Traveling to family
Swap the smartphones for a console TV and the running shoes for your Sunday best, and Thanksgiving 50 years ago might look surprisingly familiar. Traditions Past In 1976, Thanksgiving looked about the same, with a few differences. Large feasts were still a staple of the holiday, but with multiple generations pitching in to cook massive,
In 1789, President George Washington
And for millions of Americans, Thanksgiving
14 NOVEMBER 2026 | CINCINNATIFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM
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