About 4-5 yrs ago the years was really hard and I remember how much I NEEDED Christmas and all that shiny magical whimsical nostalgic love that comes with it. I got all cultural with it, started traditions, went on ornament hunting drives with friends for only stuff that was just right, I had two trees set up by my fireplace, lit up the shrubs outside, had Christmans gathers from 3 week before Christmas into the beginning of the year ie was invited by my Italian friend/family to a Feast of the Seven Fishes, then to a Latino night party the 6th of January I beleive that celebrated the coming of the 3 Kings etc

I was on a 'holiday' high with decorations, foods, christmas art, music, movies/cartoons, winter gear etc

And I wanted more. I've always LOVED Thankgiving. I've experience Toronto, Canada's Thanksgiving season, and I want Thansgiving to be more too

Charlie Browns Thankgiving Cartoon, Football, Boardgames and food...
I started using lights more, orange white & green and bought glass pumpkins and clothed pumpkins set around the house, took cool Thanksgiving cards given to me and put them in frames on the fall for display

My family takes turns hosting a Thanksgiving breakfast the weekend(this weekend) before the Day. Just in case we are not all able to be together. Which is pretty cool. And I've added the Friendsgiving to this week too

What are some traditions customs recipes (MUSIC?) movies? and other things you do for this time of the year. I'm looking for additions.

[Edited 11/18/17 8:56am]

https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/smart-living/25-reasons-why-thanksgiving-is-our-favorite-holiday/ss-AAuput7?ocid=spartanntp

25 reasons why Thanksgiving is our favorite holiday

The fourth Thursday in November is one of the best days of the year.

Thanksgiving has all the elements of the perfect holiday - you get to eat delicious food, spend time with family and friends, and you don't even have to leave the house (if your family is hosting, that is).

Every family has their own unique traditions, but giving thanks while enjoying classic dishes like roas...umpkin pie are some of our favorites. No matter how you celebrate, Thanksgiving is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season.

There are plenty of reasons to love Thanksgiving, so keep scrolling for our favorites.

Trying a fresh bird this year (as opposed to a frozen one)...

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Really about family for me...

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Have a great Thanksgiving!

"Fresh" is a weird way to describe a bird that was just alive. I'm told it's less than a week from the time it's "put down". It's from a local butcher that is getting it from a free-range farm not to far from us.

morningsong said:

How fresh is fresh? Every year I've tried to do something slightly different. In recent years I've settled on always turkey. Last year I tried spatchcocking, it came out fabulous. Will do it again this year no big centerpiece bird is fine with everybody. Not quite sure if I'll do anything different this year a little late for big plans but I'm always on the lookout. This is just hang out with family time anyway.

What is spatchcocking?

My Mom still hosts Thanksgiving and Christmas. She hasn't given it up yet and I don't want to break her heart by saying, that I am having my own.

We are having Turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, fresh greenbeans with ham, home made noodles in broth, creamed turnips, dressing, relish tray with olives, celery and such, and pumpkin pie and cheesecake. Almost forgot homemade rolls and cinnamon rolls, which was my grandmother's recipe.

Last Thanksgiving was a mess, my 2 brothers had a fist fight over Trump, right after dinner in the living room. They haven't spoke to each other since, so 1 of my brothers will not be there.

I saw something on TV the other night where peoples homes were full with out of town guests and told my husband I wish it was us. That we had all that company and the excitement of out of town guests and a house full.

I'm thankful for my family and for my Momma, I don't know what I'd do without them.

Slave2daGroove said:

PennyPurple said:

morningsong said:

PennyPurple said:

What is spatchcocking?

Cutting it in such a way that it lays flat while cooking, cuts the cooking time way down and the surface comes out all the same color. After cooking you cut it up and plate it. Makes even putting the leftovers away easier.

Cool. I've never heard of that.

I know many can't see it but I found my new item this year. Sweet Potato Cheesecake.

morningsong said:

I know many can't see it but I found my new item this year. Sweet Potato Cheesecake.

I've had it before and it is gooood

This year I'm cooking chitlins, coleslaw, collard greens, spaghetti,, and home made baked rolls. For desert,

banana pi & pecan pi. The chitlins, pecan pi, and collard's have been all cooked and frozen. I'm tired, I'm not spending my holiday cooking, I'm going to watch TV and drink beer.

PennyPurple said:

TD3 said:

This year I'm cooking chitlins, coleslaw, collard greens, spaghetti,, and home made baked rolls. For desert,

banana pi & pecan pi. The chitlins, pecan pi, and collard's have been all cooked and frozen. I'm tired, I'm not spending my holiday cooking, I'm going to watch TV and drink beer.

I haven't had chitlins in a few years now, good with greens