7 thanksgiving traditions from families across the world

The great thing about traditions, is you can invent them and make them your own. Every tradition had a point in time where it was created, to be followed by the many generations to come. For some families, a tradition can mean a very personal legacy, for others, just a good reason to celebrate and congregate. Today is thanksgiving, and whether you see it as a negative or positive holiday, it best serves when used as an excuse for loved ones to make the effort to come together. Regardless of where the tradition of thanksgiving first originated, or later evolved from, it’s the only dedicated day of the year that prompts you to stop, think, and reflect on all the things in life you’re head over heals grateful for.

It’s incredibly easy to lose sight of what you have, in pursuit of what you want, and far too common to fall into depression amidst life’s struggles. There’s one truth to remember when it comes to happiness: it is not happy people who are thankful, but thankful people who are happy. Allow this thanksgiving day to be a celebration of all the good in your life; the people, memories and comforts that you’re depending on to keep you uplifted.

What we do on thanksgiving – 7 different traditions from families across the world

Thanksgiving Tradition Nº1

“Thanksgiving to me represents a warm living room filled with love, and the smell of Mums fabulous cooking. All of us kids would be dying to stuff our faces, and then regretting our over-indulgence, but still somehow managing to have room for pudding. After the main course and before dessert, we’d light a candlestick and pass it around the table. Whoever was holding the candle would state all the things they were most thankful for that year. It almost always brought tears and was definitely a special moment.” 
– Lacey O’Brian

Thanksgiving Tradition Nº2

“My family covers the table with butcher paper. During the meal, pens are distributed and each family member writes down a few things they’re thankful for on the paper. We then go around reading our gratitudes. It’s fun to keep the scribbles, or sometimes we just take pictures of the pieces of paper.” 
– McKenzie Cunningham

Thanksgiving Tradition Nº3

“For some reason about 5 years ago my partner and I started hiking, now every thanksgiving without fail we take to our favourite trail with our two Collies and bring a big picnic for us all to share. I never was big on cooking or sitting around the house during holidays. The best part of our tradition is heading back as the sun is setting, we catch the best vistas. I’m thankful for all of it.” – Danny & Jason

Thanksgiving Tradition Nº4

“My Thanksgiving morning ritual is to make myself a good, strong cup of black coffee and start making pumpkin pie. Pie baking is something that always grounds me and makes me feel relaxed. And whether I’m making the entire feast or just dessert, it’s something I need to make it really Thanksgiving. Once I have pie going, I know everything else will be just fine. Breakfast proper happens once I have pie in the oven.” 
– Twistie

Thanksgiving Tradition Nº5

“We’ve been known to take post-dinner walks (glass of wine in hand) to say hello to the neighbours and just enjoy the weather if it’s nice.” – Leah Hope

Thanksgiving Tradition Nº6

“Our family makes toasts for what they are thankful for over the past year during the course of the meal. No one can leave the table until everyone has made a toast. It slows everything down and truly grabs the spirit of the day.” – alexsulliv

Thanksgiving Tradition Nº7

“In my household we never celebrated much of anything growing up, and so I knew I wanted to start creating memorable traditions once I had a family of my own. Now, a single Dad of three boys, spending all day in the kitchen just doesn’t seem the ticket. So every thanksgiving I take them out for a day of ice skating followed by hot overpriced donuts, and then a takeaway from their favourite restaurant. The evening never ends without a movie marathon, and bedtime curfew is lifted of course, much to their delight. We’re all thankful for each other. I wouldn’t change it for the world.” 
– Carl, New York.




Here at The School of Natural Health Sciences we’re thankful for each and every one of our students and readers, and wish you all a blessed thanksgiving day, wherever you are and whatever you may be doing.