Thanksgiving Traditions

Time spent enjoying the simple things

Afternoon Nature Walks - Sam, Burlington, VT

When thinking about Thanksgiving, my mind often wanders to the idea of the first dusting of snow that covers the hills surrounding my family home. After enjoying a home cooked meal with my relatives, we often find ourselves walking down a winding logging road in Danville, Vermont. The ground softly crunches as icy snow and fallen leaves give way to our passing feet. The silence is only broken by a startled White Tail scampering into the thicket, or a partridge storming away with a flurry of feathers. When the temperatures begin to tumble as the sun descends over the horizon, we retire for some hot apple cider.

Butter making

Kathy, Mystic, CT

This is a fun activity to keep kids (both big and small) busy while waiting for dinner. All you need is baby food jars (or pint-sized canning jars w/lids), heavy whipping cream, salt and strong arms! Fill jars 1/2 way with room temperature whipping cream and a dash of salt. Shake jars until you feel the liquid turn to solid. We like to make it into a race to see who reaches butter status first. Then add the homemade butter to your dinner rolls and mashed potatoes.

Getting in the holiday spirit

The Mount Battie Star Lighting - Barbara, Camden, ME

Since the 1960s, a dedicated group of volunteers come together each year to erect the large metal star atop the stone tower on Mount Battie. The inaugural star lighting is on the night of Thanksgiving, and each night the star illuminates the night sky as it shines down on Camden from the mountaintops. Attending the lighting after Thanksgiving dinner is a local tradition, bringing the community together and putting a smile on faces young and old.

Christmas tree hunting

Sam, Concord, MA

Every year since I can remember, we have hosted Thanksgiving at our home with both sides of the family present. The following day, we get on our boots and hats and hunt for our Christmas Tree. Afterwards, we snuggle down with our homemade cups of peppermint hot chocolate and listen to our favorite Christmas albums.

Nostalgic football games

Football has long been an American staple, with professional games often on in the background as the family meal is prepared. But even more exciting are the historic football rivalries between neighboring high schools in many New England towns.

Norwich Free Academy vs. New London High School - Kathy, Mystic, CT

The oldest high school football rivalry in the country is between Norwich Free Academy (my high school) and New London High School. They have been playing against each other since 1875, and for decades the game has been held on Thanksgiving day. Important to note that NFA leads the contest!

Needham vs. Wellesley High School - Emma, Wellesley, MA

While Connecticut may be home to the oldest high school football rivalry, the Needham vs. Wellesley game is the longest standing high school Thanksgiving game, dating back to 1882. The occasion kicks off with a pep rally on Wednesday, followed by a flag football faceoff between the senior girls from each town. Then Thursday morning, while the turkey is waiting to be cooked, fans young and old come to cheer on their hometown team, staying warm with hot chocolate on the sidelines.