{"id":885397,"date":"2025-11-18T18:13:17","date_gmt":"2025-11-18T17:13:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/?p=885397"},"modified":"2025-11-18T18:13:51","modified_gmt":"2025-11-18T17:13:51","slug":"us-thanksgiving-traditions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/us-thanksgiving-traditions\/","title":{"rendered":"Top Thanksgiving Traditions in the US you need to know about"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Each year, on the fourth Thursday in November, America<\/a> gathers for one of its favorite celebrations: Thanksgiving. From the scent of roast turkey filling the kitchen to the hum of parades and football games on TV, some classic and quirky Thanksgiving traditions bring joy to every home across the nation. And while every family celebration looks a little different, each likely has its favourite pumpkin pie recipe and nominated turkey carver. Whether you gather with relatives or friends, the spirit of this American holiday is connection, thankfulness and good food! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s look at some favorite Thanksgiving traditions, starting with the main feast\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is at a traditional Thanksgiving dinner?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Thanksgiving meal is the heart of the holiday. This vacation is when families and friends gather around the table for a huge spread of comfort and celebration foods. At its center is almost always a glistening, roast turkey. Joining the turkey are half a dozen delicious sides \u2013 think creamy mashed potatoes, herby stuffing, tangy cranberry sauce, gravy and sweet potato casseroles topped with marshmallows (yep, that might be the weirdest one!). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Thanksgiving<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Thanksgiving is almost like Christmas, but without the pressure of giving gifts \u2013 it\u2019s just gathering with loved ones to eat good food and share stories. Each region and family has different twists \u2013 from oyster stuffing and maple-glazed vegetables in New England to cornbread dressing and pecan pie in the South. And while the time of the feast varies, families often sit down to eat mid-afternooon around 3pm or 4pm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

READ NEXT: <\/em><\/strong>10 traditional Thanksgiving foods Americans can’t live without<\/em><\/strong><\/a>
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How did turkey become a Thanksgiving tradition? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Well, it\u2019s a long story that mixes history and practicality. American\u2019s early settlers and Indigenous peoples shared harvest feasts featuring wild fowl. By the 19th century, turkey became the ideal choice. It was large enough to feed a crowd and widely available across America. When President Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863, turkey was already a household favorite. Over time, cookbooks, media and family traditions cemented its status as the star of Thanksgiving dinners.<\/p>\n\n\n

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