Thanksgiving has many different meanings to people and it also holds many different sentimental traditions. For a lot of people, like myself, Thanksgiving is all about the food. I look forward to the gobble-gobble day all year just for the roasted turkey, the herb stuffing and cranberry dressing! I also look forward to spending time with my family and loved ones as a very important tradition. However, many people have other traditions, not just the family and food, that make Thanksgiving so important to them.
One very popular Thanksgiving tradition is the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, NY. From the huge floats, to the people snuggled up in coats, Macy's Parade is a fun activity that brings a lot of joy for many. The Macy's Day Parade (for short) started in 1924 and is the second-oldest Thanksgiving parade in the United States, after the 6abc IKEA Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The 6abc IKEA Thanksgiving Day Parade takes place in Detroit and is the oldest running American Thanksgiving Parade. It has also been known as the 6abc Dunkin' Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade. I have to be honest I had not heard of this one, but apparently it is quite popular to East Coasters and an important Thanksgiving tradition.
There is also the Hollywood Christmas Parade in Los Angeles, California. When I lived in Los Angeles this was a big tradition for my family and I to partake in. We would load up the car and head to Hollywood Blvd to usher in the Christmas season. Typically around this time of year the weather gets cooler and is the perfect way to bring the holidays to the Subtropical climate.
Another popular Thanksgiving tradition is the Annual Turkey Trot which takes place in various locations nationwide. The Turkey Trot is a community-centered event that often raises funds for various charities while also helping the running, or walking, participants to burn off some of that delicious stuffing and pumpkin pie. That is a great tradition for the physically fit or people hoping to do some good for local charities. It's a win-win situation all around.
And finally, what would Thanksgiving be without volunteers? Many do-gooders take the tradition of volunteering and helping the less fortunate very seriously. From food banks to soup kitchens this a heart-warming and very valuable tradition that benefits countless individuals. If it wasn't for volunteers and charitable contributions during the holidays many people would not get fed, be able to receive a gently used coat or have a cot to sleep on.
Whatever your Thanksgiving tradition is I hope it is a wonderful one!
