Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Ideas
Year after year, in November, we can expect to see a lot of the classics: turkeys, pumpkin pies, boots, sweaters and selfies in the living room, relatives you haven’t seen in forever asking too many questions - get the picture? It’s all fine if you have fun. But who says it has to be that way again? Thanksgiving can be anything you want it to be. It’s all about enjoying the time you have with loved ones and celebrating it how you want. Here are some non-traditional Thanksgiving ideas to take back the holiday and make it your own.
International Thanksgiving Dinner
Thanksgiving is historically an American and Canadian holiday, dating back to the colonization period. The first Thanksgiving feast is recognized to be a 1621 harvest feast shared between English colonists and the Wampanoag natives. But the United States of America has since then been and continues to be a nation of immigrants, with the exception of the native americans. So while the traditional Thanksgiving dinner spread is made up of mostly seasonal items that are native to North America, like pumpkins, squashes, cranberries, apples and green beans, switch it up and make your Thanksgiving a celebration of all the diversity the country has today. Chances are you have friends and family from different parts of the world. Make your event a potluck! Ask everyone to bring something that honors the culture of their origin. Imagine a mix of Italian dishes, Indian, Caribbean, Latin American or whatever else! It’ll be a great way to include your loved ones in a new way, learn about them on a deeper level and give the same old annual event a refreshing new spin.
Fitness Party & Cocktails
Just because Thanksgiving is traditionally a sit-down dinner with an overload of carbs and little to no physical activity doesn’t mean that’s what it has to be for you! The essence of Thanksgiving is centered around gratitude and spending time with those who you are most grateful to have in your life. Who says that celebration has to look the same as it did in 1621? Switch it up and invite your crew, your gal pals or your tribe. This is a great way to celebrate a “friendsgiving” before Thanksgiving night, just with your girls. If you bond over fitness and cocktails, make your Thanksgiving a fitness party and make some martinis, cosmos or frosés.
Get the crew to rock some cute printed yoga pants or leggings and set up a yoga mat space for everyone. Put on some fun music and host a fitness dance party where you all rock cute printed sports bras, leggings or printed tees for a themed party. After a fun sweat sesh, you can offer some light, healthy tapas to munch on and some cocktails. Raise a glass - cheers to your tribe!
Game Night or Movie Night
Skip the big dinner production - keep it simple and just order some takeout. Make it a movie night or game night! Find some great movies in the genre you and your friends or family prefer and enjoy pizza, wings or Chinese - whatever your vibe is - and just enjoy without the fuss of having to cook. If you prefer a more engaged night, with plenty of drinks and conversation flowing, get some Jenga, some Uno, some Cards Against Humanity or whichever board games you like and make some memories.
Family Picnic in the Park
Looking for a socially distanced solution to Thanksgiving? Hit the outdoors! Pack up the car for an outdoor grilling event or picnic and head to a local park. Keep the guest list small and intimate. Ditch the stuffy indoor dinner and enjoy the great outdoors with the family and your friends! Pro Tip: If you find a place that has a fire pit, you can roast marshmallows together for s’mores and enjoy a nice Thanksgiving treat that you’ll always remember.
