Curious what everyone does for Thanksgiving!

I have two Thanksgivings.

One side of my family always does a traditional potluck Thanksgiving meal. We have turkey, ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, mac & cheese, sweet potato casserole, stuffing, rolls, creamed corn, green beans, macaroni salad, and more. For desserts we have pumpkin pie, pound cake, pecan pie, and other staples.

My other side does something different each year. Italian, Mexican, Thai, etc. This year we’ve decided to do a seafood boil. Maybe key lime pie or cheese cake for dessert?

What does your family do each year for Thanksgiving? Do you have multiple dinners to go to or just one?

#thanksgiving #thanksgivingfood #thanksgivingideas #food #meals

2025/11/12 Edited to

... Read moreThanksgiving is a time when families come together, yet the way people celebrate can vary greatly. Many still embrace a traditional Thanksgiving meal featuring staples like turkey, ham, mashed potatoes with gravy, mac & cheese, sweet potato casserole, stuffing, rolls, creamed corn, green beans, and macaroni salad. These dishes have become iconic symbols of gratitude and togetherness in American households, often rounded off with classic desserts such as pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and pound cake. However, others choose to personalize their Thanksgiving celebrations by exploring different cuisines and flavors, making the holiday a chance for culinary creativity. For instance, some families incorporate Italian pastas, Mexican spices, or Thai flavors to bring a multicultural twist. The idea of a seafood boil is gaining popularity, offering a fun, interactive dining experience that includes shrimp, crab, corn, potatoes, and sausage boiled together with flavorful seasonings. Dessert options like key lime pie or cheesecake provide a refreshing alternative to traditional pies. This diversity in Thanksgiving celebrations highlights how the holiday can be adapted to reflect personal tastes, cultural backgrounds, or dietary needs, making each family's experience unique. Whether sticking to classic recipes or trying something new, the heart of Thanksgiving remains sharing food and gratitude. Many people also face the dynamic of attending multiple dinners on Thanksgiving Day, balancing time between different sides of their family or friend groups. This practice enriches the holiday experience with variety and connection. If you wonder whether to keep a classic menu or experiment with new Thanksgiving food ideas, consider what best brings your loved ones together. Exploring traditional dishes keeps a sense of continuity, while introducing new meals can refresh the occasion and create new traditions. Ultimately, Thanksgiving is about appreciation and community, whether you enjoy a traditional potluck or a unique seafood boil. So, what does your family do each year? Do you lean towards the familiar or embrace something different? Share your stories and inspire others to make this Thanksgiving memorable.

5 comments

Mom2brats9cats's images
Mom2brats9cats

For a few years when my kids were younger I made turkey the whole nine but my kids would eat biscuits so I decided I didn’t want to waste the money or time If no one was going to eat it so now I make I make my white girl version of homemade eggrolls, garlicky green beans, pumpkin pie and chocolate pie. I also make the same Meal for Christmas dinner

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Roxa Storke's images
Roxa Storke

My sister and I eat steak

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