1. Thanksgiving Day in the morning we go for a walk in the woods in a park near our house and do our "Wildlife Thanksgiving." We throw pieces of bread and bird seed as we walk around. We get to enjoy the scenery and send some love to the birds and squirrels.
2. In the same park we are going to try to meet up with my brothers to throw the football around. Not that we are very good, but it is nice to get the blood flowing before a big meal. I also really like to run around with my three year old. He has so much fun and joy is just contagious.
3. My husband smokes a turkey breast. He starts it when we get back from our walk. I think it is the best turkey you can eat, but I also love that it frees up the over for me so I can make all the fixings and of course... PIE.
4. PIE... nuff said. My best friend growing up always had a thankful list on her mom's fridge. On it was "I am thankful for pie and more pie." So, without fail I will make at least two if not three pies. I have a super simple pie crust I use, and the fillings are really simple, but it is wonderful to make them from scratch.
5. I can't say I have ever watched the entire Macy's Day Parade, but I love having it on in the living room while I cook, between football commercials... of course.
6. While the pies are in the oven, the turkey is in the smoker, the baby is napping and the parade is on TV. Dave and I play board games usually dominoes and back gammon. This year we are super excited to introduce our little one to this tradition, we are betting on "Let's Go Fishing."
7. When we sit down to dinner, we eat off of Dave's Grandmother's vintage Mikasa Whole Wheat china. I love it. Truth be told, we eat off these dishes almost everyday, but it is particularly nice to have an heirloom to use on the holidays. I like to think of all the wonderful meals that have been served on these plates for the last 70 years.
8. Our centerpieces for the table is really simple, just some nice yellow and golden leaves that we collected on our walk in the woods that morning. We have a song that we sing to my son every night called "golden leaf." It seems only appropriate that we would have some golden leaves on the table, as he is what we are most thankful for.
9. After we eat our meal, we all head over to my mother's house. You would think that we would get dressed up like families do at the holidays, but we actually dress down. I wear a slouchy sweat shirt, leggings, and slippers to go over to my moms. We put my son in pajamas so he can go straight to bed.
10. Last but not least, every year we set up my mother's Christmas tree, my dad's old nativity and my sisters little Christmas village. It is really the only tradition that we have. It is a cheesy tradition, but I love it. My mom has a huge artificial tree and more ornaments than any healthy amount. But it is a hoot, to have coffee and pumpkin pie and bring the dusty boxes from underneath the stairs.
So, there you have it. My families top 10 Thanksgiving Traditions. I hope it helps you with yours. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
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