Thanksgiving is a day that celebrates gratitude, togetherness, and—of course—traditions. Every family has its own way of marking the holiday, whether it’s watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – what happens with those balloons when it rains or is windy?; the precise method of cooking the turkey (to brine or not to brine?); or the debate over dessert: pumpkin, apple, or pecan pie. Frankly, why not all three?
Traditions provide a sense of stability and belonging, anchoring us through life’s changes. As Tevye from Fiddler on the Roof famously said, “Without our traditions, our lives would be as shaky as… as… as a fiddler on the roof!” And yet, traditions are not static—they grow and adapt as our families and lives change.
Sometimes, we need to gently remind those around us of the traditions that hold special meaning for us. Perhaps it’s a activity before the meal or that one relative’s recipe for cranberry sauce that must be on the table. Other times, we find ourselves embracing new traditions, whether born of necessity or the joy of expanding our family circle.
Family, after all, is not just the people we are related to by blood. It’s also the friends who show up when we need them, the people who bring us joy, and the community that makes us feel seen and loved. Each Thanksgiving table tells a unique story, reflecting the connections that sustain us throughout the year.
This season, let’s cherish the traditions that ground us while leaving room to create new ones. Try out a recipe from a friend, add a moment of mindfulness during the day, or invite someone new to your table. Traditions are at their best when they bring us closer to one another and remind us of the abundant blessings in our lives.
To our HaNefesh family, we wish you a happy, healthy, and meaningful Thanksgiving. May your day be filled with cherished memories, delicious food, and the excitement of blending the old with the new.
What’s a Thanksgiving tradition you’d like to share or create? We’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment here.
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the year getting together with family and friends. It’s an opportunity to be grateful for having family and friends, good health and food, shelter and a safe place to live. It’s one of the few holidays that hasn’t been commercialized for business profits.