Thanksgiving: Classic Events

What are classic Thanksgiving events?

For this post, “classic” means things that show up in U.S. commercials, Hallmark movies, and the like. In other words, “classic” for this post means the things people would likely say on Family Feud if asked to name something about Thanksgiving.

Football

The first football game that was played on Thanksgiving took place in the late 1800s. Sources available on the free internet report different dates. 1869 and 1876 are the most frequently used dates.
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When football became a staple of Thanksgiving is also under debate. Some sites list 1920. Others say 1934. 

Hunting

This Thanksgiving tradition may be going out of favor in some parts of the U.S. I list it here because growing up, I remember a man who is now in his 70s, waxing nostalgic about going hunting on Thanksgiving morning while the women prepared the Thanksgiving meal. 

An internet search for “hunting Thanksgiving” shows that there are people who still enjoy a Thanksgiving-morning hunt. I won’t link to one because some of the photos can be disturbing.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

This parade started in 1924 as a Christmas parade to encourage people to buy more from Macy’s. Today, the Christmas theme remains, with Santa Claus ending the parade. 

Despite focusing on popular characters, pop icons, sports stars, and Christmas, the parade became known as the Thanksgiving Day parade since it happens on Thanksgiving morning.  

Turkey Trot

Starting in 1896, running a 5-mile (or 8K) race on Thanksgiving is a tradition over 100 years old. 

The first Turkey Trot took place in Buffalo, NY. Now, there are many races across the US that go by this name. Distances may vary and may include various events.

Other Thanksgiving-Day Activities

Some Thanksgiving events are smaller and many families may not think about them. These Thanksgiving Day activities might include telling each other what they are thankful for, religious observances like prayers and Bible readings, or setting up and decorating a Christmas tree.