Thanksgiving traditions

By: Yasmeen Duwaji, News editor and Yasmin Hassani,  Staff reporter,  The Pawprint

Thanksgiving has always been celebrated to count the blessings from the past year so naturally many communities in the US create long life traditions that will last through generations. Here are a few popular customs that people like to partake in during thanksgiving.   

Break the wishbone for desirable good fortune.

It may also sound silly, however that is an actual thing! After carving the turkey, the wishbone, a Y-formed bone that contains tons of superstition, is set apart to dry. Once the meal is over, human beings make their desires and ruin the wishbone. Whoever finally ends up with the larger piece is stated to have their desire come authentic and desirable good fortune for the imminent year.

Giving thanks.

Many communities around the United States host yearly food drives to collect non-perishable packaged and canned goods for people in need in the spirit of giving gratitude and helping others. These groups also arrange Thanksgiving feasts to ensure that everyone gets a warm meal.

​​Share something you’re grateful for.

Thanksgiving is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the previous year with family and friends. Go around the room and share something you’re grateful for, whether it’s during the meal or later in the day when you’re resting. It’s great to hear everyone share their greatest memories and experiences from the previous year.

Take part in a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

Without the traditional Thanksgiving feast, no Thanksgiving Day would be complete. Roast turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, as well as sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts, are all must-haves. Green bean casserole has grown in popularity, particularly in the Midwest. Dessert is, of course, pumpkin pie to round out the meal.

Keep a gratitude jar.

Make Thanksgiving a year long affair. Throughout the year, maintain a gratitude jar of gestures you admire from your own circle of relatives and buddies you recognize you may see in November. Pull out the jar post-dinner and proportion the gestures that warmed hearts.