Values Forum: Family Programs

Traditions - Thanksgiving

"We usually have Thanksgiving dinner in the early afternoon. That gives us time for the traditional family walk after dinner. Another Thanksgiving tradition is eating pumpkin pie for Friday breakfast. My mother usually makes a dozen pumpkin pies. She says since the pies contain milk and eggs they are not a radical departure from more normal breakfasts."
David Kaplan, Spokane, Washington

"We had a special Thanksgiving service at church while I was growing up. Mom would stuff the turkey, put it in the oven and off we would go to hear everyone say what they were thankful for. One time I remember the service went on endlessly-when a little old lady popped up and blurted out: 'I'll be thankful when this service is over so I won't have to go home to a burned up bird.' We were promptly dismissed and returned home to a well-done dinner."
Donna Glacken, Age 59, California

"Every Thanksgiving my family goes to Utah to see my cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents. The feast is usually held at my aunt Karen's house. We always have a lot of turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, salad, rolls, vegetables with dip, pie and punch. After dinner, we watch movies and play games. Some of the games we play are Uno, Flinch and other board games."
Jeff Mathwig, Washington

"At Thanksgiving time, my family (which means EVERYBODY on my mom's side) comes over for the feast. After we eat Thanksgiving dinner made up of the usual turkey, cranberries, mashed potatoes & gravy and dressing, all the adults visit and all the kids go out and play. Then we go to my other grandma's house and have another dinner there."
Kyle Benner, Washington