Thanksgiving Traditions Now vs 50 Years Ago, 1976 vs 2026
by Amelia Roessler
E ach year, families across America gather 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 football 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 recognize the “first” Thanksgiving as a 1621 feast at Plymouth Colony, when the Pilgrims celebrated their
first harvest alongside members of the neighboring Wampanoag tribe.
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. And for millions of Americans, Thanksgiving 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, herb stuffing, tangy cranberry sauce, gravy, and sweet potato casseroles topped with marshmallows. It’s like Christmas without the pressure of gifts. OTHER TRADITIONS INCLUDE: ■ Presidential Turkey Pardon ■ Break the wishbone for good luck
But Thanksgiving didn’t immediately become an annual holiday. Over the following years, colonies observed days of thanksgiving at different times and for different reasons. In 1789, President George Washington 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 morning’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.)
■ Pumpkin pie ■ Black Friday ■ Traveling to family
12 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2026
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker