Introducing Our 20 Day Thanksgiving Countdown Series

A Feast of Traditions, Recipes, Stories, and Celebration Ideas!

Thanksgiving is almost here, and what better way to prepare for the holiday than with a fun, 20-day countdown full of surprises? Each day, we’ll bring you something fresh, quirky, and intriguing about Thanksgiving. From delightful traditions to delicious recipes, creative celebration ideas, and fascinating stories, this series is all about getting you in the Thanksgiving spirit. One fun fact or dish at a time!

What to Expect from the Thanksgiving Countdown

Every day, you can look forward to a little taste of Thanksgiving magic, whether it’s a humorous story from history, a recipe for a new dish, or an idea for entertaining your guests in a way they’ll never forget. Think of it as a daily Thanksgiving mini celebration you can enjoy on your own or share with family and friends!

Here's what’s on the table for the next 20 days:

1. Traditions to Try (Or Laugh About!)

Ever heard of “turkey bowling”? Or wondered why the president pardons a turkey every year? Thanksgiving traditions are a mix of the meaningful, the bizarre, and the totally fun. We’ll take you through some of the most interesting customs that have popped up over the years. Plus, we’ll tell you how you can add some of these quirky traditions to your own holiday!

Funny Story Teaser: Did you know Thanksgiving almost got moved? During the Great Depression, Franklin D. Roosevelt tried to boost the economy by changing the holiday to an earlier Thursday in November, hoping it would extend the shopping season. People were so upset, they called it “Franksgiving.” (Let’s just say it didn’t last long!)

2. Recipes You Didn’t Know You Needed

Whether you’re looking for a fresh twist on the classics or some lesser known but delicious options, our daily recipes will get your taste buds ready for the big day. And we’re not just sticking to turkey and stuffing. Expect some unexpected ideas, like mini pumpkin cheesecakes, savory sweet potato twists, and the best brine recipe to make your turkey stand out.

Recipe Teaser: Want to surprise your guests with something new? We’ve got a cranberry-jalapeño salsa that’s a sweet, spicy twist on a classic and perfect for an appetizer! Or, how about a mashed potato bar? Load it up with toppings like crispy bacon, shredded cheese, sour cream, and chives. It’s an easy, interactive dish that’s bound to be a hit!

3. Entertainment Ideas to Keep Everyone Happy

Thanksgiving is one of the few holidays that bring everyone together, from family members to friends who are like family. We’re sharing ideas that will keep the laughs going, from outdoor games to cozy movie marathons and even some DIY craft ideas for the kids.

Entertainment Teaser: This year, try your hand at “Turkey Tag” a scavenger hunt where guests have to search for hidden paper turkeys around the house or yard. It’s a great way to keep everyone moving before or after the big meal! Or, set up a Thanksgiving trivia game with fun questions about the holiday’s history. (Did you know wild turkeys can run up to 20 miles per hour? Neither did we!)

4. Stories from Thanksgiving’s Past

The history of Thanksgiving is full of fascinating tales, some heartwarming, others a little wacky. We’ll dig into how the holiday came to be, starting with the first harvest festival in 1621, a survival celebration shared by Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people. Over the centuries, Thanksgiving grew, evolved, and even sparked debates. We’ll share a few lesser-known stories that you can use to impress everyone at the table this year.

Historical Teaser: Thanksgiving almost didn’t become a national holiday! In the 1800s, Sarah Josepha Hale, a magazine editor and the author of “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” spent years writing to presidents, lobbying for a national day of thanks. Her persistence finally paid off in 1863, when Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving an official holiday to promote unity during the Civil War.

How Thanksgiving Began and Grew Into a National Tradition

Thanksgiving’s roots go back over 400 years to a 3 day harvest feast celebrated in Plymouth, Massachusetts. After a tough winter, the Pilgrims had managed to grow crops, largely thanks to help from the Wampanoag people. That fall, the two groups gathered for a feast to celebrate the harvest, marking the first Thanksgiving.

But Thanksgiving didn’t become a yearly event until the 1800s. In 1863, Lincoln officially declared Thanksgiving a national holiday, held each November. From there, it only grew, with parades, football games, and family gatherings becoming staples over the next century. Today, Thanksgiving is all about showing gratitude, sharing a great meal, and creating memories with loved ones.

Why Follow the Thanksgiving Countdown?

This Thanksgiving series isn’t just about history, food, or fun on their own. It’s about bringing them all together in one delightful package. Whether you’re looking to spice up your dinner menu, start a new tradition, or just impress everyone with a cool Thanksgiving fact, you’ll find something that makes your holiday more memorable.

By the end of these 20 days, you’ll be ready to not only host an amazing Thanksgiving but also share a few fun stories and new traditions that might even stick for years to come. So, check back each day for a new Thanksgiving gem, who knows what new ideas or laughs each day will bring?

Let’s get ready for a Thanksgiving countdown like no other!

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