5 Unique Thanksgiving Traditions You Need to Know About

Thanksgiving’s a favorite holiday across America. It comes with cozy moments, saying thanks, also mouthwatering meals. On this day, loved ones, pals, or neighbors gather - marking joys, whether huge or tiny. Even if each household does it their own way, the heart of the occasion stays the same everywhere. Book Flights to your most loved destination with Travelay™ and celebrate Thanksgiving like the Americans.

We should value things we own, then pass them on to folks nearby. Yet what exactly is Thanksgiving, also where did it come from - how’d it grow so big in the U.S.?

Take a moment to explore its roots, habits people keep, and little rituals that stick in your mind.

What is Thanksgiving Day?

Thanksgiving is about chilling out, tasty meals, also hanging with loved ones; yet this celebration actually started during a rough patch in our past - not exactly peaceful times.

The pilgrims sharing that early Thanksgiving meal with local tribes in 1621 faced brutal conditions after saying goodbye to family beyond the ocean. Instead of staying put, they took a risk for better prospects - only to struggle building life from scratch. Crops barely grew, some Indigenous people distrusted them, while freezing weather brought pain along with illness and loss. Still, despite it all, those first arrivals kept pushing forward, chasing peace and luck in what later turned into America. Even after the pain of starting over somewhere strange, they kept believing their hopes would come true - instead, they drew strength from sharing meals and being thankful alongside each other. Over time, this quiet moment of appreciation grew into something big; today, almost four centuries forward, we keep honoring it through a beloved tradition known as “Thanksgiving.”

Later, it became an official nationwide observance. Back in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln made it a formal holiday across America - highlighting thankfulness during tough times, since the nation was deep into the Civil War.

Thanksgiving isn't only an official day off in the U.S., but it also carries feelings of thanks, brings folks together, and also offers moments to think about what we have on a personal level, or looking back at tangled past events

1. Turkey Trot Races

The Thanksgiving Turkey Trot’s a favorite in lots of towns. Usually takes place right after dawn on Turkey Day. Ranges anywhere from short 5K runs to longer half-marathons - draws folks young and old, fit or just starting. Some show up dressed silly, like wearing feathered headgear or old-timey buckled shoes. That kind of energy brings laughs, keeps things lively. Book tickets to New York, before Thanksgiving hits - check out the old-school turkey dash by the YMCA, wild night scenes right before the big meal day, or just fill your plate at classic local feasts across town.

2. Presidential Turkey Pardoning

Held outside the presidential residence most times, this custom keeps the bird off menus. Instead, it’s sent to spend life at a rural farm or care site. Though earlier leaders made jokes about sparing turkeys, the official act started under George H.W. Bush started it in '89, though 

the practice actually goes way back, to Lincoln’s time. Since then, sparing the turkey turned into a funny yet meaningful ritual each November, something folks nationwide tune into during Thanksgiving. Thanks to crisp fall weather outside, you won’t run low on ways to soak in the season. Avoid stress, Book Your Tickets, and end up right where everything's happening.

3. Crab Feasts Instead of Turkey

Over in Maryland - especially near the Chesapeake Bay - Thanksgiving meals sometimes skip turkey altogether. Instead of roast bird, folks dig into big spreads of crabs, thanks to the state's famous blue crabs. Even though it’s past peak crab time, people stash away summer catches or grab them fresh from nearby sellers. You’ll usually see piles of corn on the side, dusted with Old Bay and served with warm butter for dipping. This yearly switch isn’t just about food - it ties back to how deeply locals value their bay life and fishing roots.

4. Deep-Fried Turkey

About: Frying turkeys in oil is now common down South for Thanksgiving. Instead of roasting it slowly, this method gives crunchy skin but tender meat inside - it cooks way faster, too.

Frying a whole bird takes caution - hot grease everywhere, often done outdoors, which is why folks pair up to manage it. Take advantage of Austin flight deals this Thanksgiving - so you can see loved ones or check out fun local events while saving more on your tickets to Austin and swap cold days for warm sand, holiday meals near the water, or quiet evenings watching sunset fade into the ocean.

5. Green Bean Casserole, Jello Salads, and Regional Dishes

Though turkey takes center stage, different areas add their own favorites to Thanksgiving dinner. Over in the Midwest, folks love green bean caddy - green beans mixed with mushroom soup and topped with crunchy onion bits. Instead of that, some go for Jell-O salad, bright and packed with fruit, giving a sweet kick mid-meal. Down south, they swap regular stuffing for a cornbread version, plus serve up rich pecan pie after. Grab a flight to Chicago - chill with friendly locals, catch lively celebrations, or dig into spicy Creole-style meals and

Flight to Atlanta before Thanksgiving hits. Explore without rushing. Feel the season breathe.

Final Word

Thanksgiving comes alive with little rituals that give the day its own flavor. Beyond dinner, it’s about moments that stick - laughter around games or stories told late into the night. Try tossing in something fresh this year, like a gratitude walk before dessert. Pick one idea - it could spark something your crew looks forward to every November.

Celebrate Thanksgiving by trying something fresh - maybe catch the parade or talk about what you’re thankful for at dinner; those little things give the day its heart. Picture yourself doing that in lively spots scattered coast to coast. Travelay™ gets you there without hassle, scoring flights fast so you can focus on people, not plans. Kick off a different kind of holiday and let the trip become part of your story - you’ll bring back more than souvenirs