# What are some unique Thanksgiving traditions to try this year?

Paige Thornton · August 4, 2026

> The first Thanksgiving in 1621 was not the grand holiday feast we celebrate today but rather a three-day harvest festival shared by the Pilgrims and...

The first Thanksgiving in 1621 was not the grand holiday feast we celebrate today but rather a three-day harvest festival shared by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe that included numerous activities beyond eating.

In the 19th century, Thanksgiving was primarily a regional holiday until Sarah Josepha Hale, a prominent writer, campaigned for a national holiday.

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Her efforts culminated in Abraham Lincoln declaring Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863.

The turkey is a staple of Thanksgiving feasts, but it wasn't necessarily the main dish at the first Thanksgiving.

Historical accounts suggest that the Pilgrims likely celebrated with a variety of foods, including venison, shellfish, and corn.

The tradition of Thanksgiving parades began in the 1920s with events designed to celebrate the holiday and advertise retail stores.

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, which started in 1924, remains the most famous.

The Friday after Thanksgiving is known as Black Friday, marking the start of the holiday shopping season.

Interestingly, some argue that this term originated from police officers in Philadelphia, who referred to the heavy traffic and crowds as "Black Friday."

The concept of "Thanksgiving" varies around the world.

For example, in Canada, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday in October and has distinct traditions, focusing more on giving thanks for the harvest.

In some cultures, Thanksgiving-like celebrations occur during the harvest season, such as the Mid-Autumn Festival in China and the harvest festival in India called Pongal.

A fascinating tradition is “Thanksgiving Day football," which dates back to the 19th century.

The first intercollegiate game of football was played on Thanksgiving Day in 1876 between Harvard and Yale.

The science behind cooking a turkey involves the Maillard reaction, which enhances flavor and creates that distinctive browned crust when the turkey is roasted, thanks to the amino acids and sugars reacting under heat.

Some families engage in the tradition of "breaking the wishbone," which is an old Roman custom where two people pull apart a dried turkey's wishbone, hoping to receive good luck based on who gets the larger piece.

The pumpkin pie we associate with Thanksgiving has a long history.

Early versions date back to medieval Europe, where a mixture of spices, eggs, and cream was often placed into a crust, but it became popular in America primarily during the 19th century.

An interesting scientific phenomenon related to Thanksgiving is food coma, or postprandial somnolence.

This drowsiness after a large meal is attributed not only to the consumption of tryptophan-rich turkey but also to the body’s increased demand for blood flow to the digestive system.

The traditional Thanksgiving feast has evolved over the years, and there is a noticeable increase in alternative proteins.

According to research, many Americans are opting for plant-based proteins or alternative meats as part of their Thanksgiving meals.

Thanksgiving also coincides with the start of the holiday season; studies show the day after Thanksgiving can lead to a 20% increase in food purchases compared to the average day.

Thanksgiving celebrations can also manifest through community events like food drives or meals for the less fortunate, reflective of the holiday's original spirit of community and gratitude.

A scientific study observed that gratitude can improve people’s overall well-being and stimulate the release of dopamine, enhancing mood and promoting feelings of connection among individuals during this holiday.

The “Turkey Pardon” is a whimsical tradition where the President of the United States “pardons” a turkey each year, allowing it to live out its life.

This practice was popularized during George H.W.

Bush's presidency in 1989.

In a modern twist, virtual Thanksgiving celebrations have emerged, particularly highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing the adaptation of traditional practices using contemporary technology.

Certain regions of the United States have unique Thanksgiving dishes owing to their cultural heritage, such as deep-fried turkey in the South and regional seafood dishes in coastal areas.

The recent trend of "Friendsgiving" has surged in popularity, allowing friends to gather and celebrate Thanksgiving, often serving as an alternative or supplementary celebration, highlighting community beyond family ties.

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