ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Thanksgiving brings together a variety of traditions across the United States, from preparing holiday meals to watching football and spending time with family and friends.
While many celebrations center on the dinner table, other activities have become familiar parts of the holiday.
Preparing Thanksgiving turkey
Turkey remains one of the most recognizable foods associated with Thanksgiving.
Roasting is a traditional preparation method, although some households prefer deep-frying, smoking or other cooking techniques.
Side dishes vary by household and region, with recipes often passed down through generations.
Watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a longstanding holiday tradition for television viewers and spectators in New York City.
The first parade was held in 1924. The event was suspended during World War II from 1942 through 1944.
Today, the parade is known for its large character balloons, marching bands, musical performances and elaborate floats.
Participating in a turkey trot
Turkey trots are running and walking events commonly held around Thanksgiving.
Many are organized as community gatherings or fundraisers for charitable organizations. The 26th Annual Downtown Asheville Turkey Trot returns to Pack Square Park on Thursday, November 26. The event proceeds benefit MANNA Food Bank.
For participants, events of this kind provide an opportunity for physical activity and community involvement before the holiday meal.
Watching Thanksgiving football
Professional football has been associated with Thanksgiving for generations.
Watching the games has become part of the holiday routine in many households, whether during meal preparation or after dinner.
Decorating for the winter holidays
Some households begin decorating for Christmas immediately after Thanksgiving, while others start earlier in November.
Putting up a Christmas tree, hanging lights and arranging seasonal decorations can mark the transition from Thanksgiving to the December holidays.
Watching holiday television specials
Holiday programming is another tradition for some families.
The animated special “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving,” first broadcast in 1973, remains associated with the season.
The program follows Charlie Brown and his friends as they prepare an unconventional Thanksgiving meal.
Celebrating Friendsgiving
Friendsgiving gatherings offer another way to observe the holiday.
These celebrations typically bring together friends for a shared meal, either before Thanksgiving or on the holiday itself.
Friendsgiving may be particularly appealing to people who live far from relatives or prefer to celebrate with friends.
Thanksgiving traditions differ among families and communities. Whether the day includes a holiday meal, community event or time spent with friends, many of these customs continue from one generation to the next.