Why We're Closed On Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a day to give thanks, and I have so much to be thankful for. As I grew up, I realized not everyone was as lucky as I was. For the past 4 years, my mom, sister and I have volunteered at a local soup kitchen. It’s honestly such a humbling experience to spend the holiday giving back to those who are less fortunate. The feeling of gratitude fills my heart, by serving those less fortunate, is unexplainable. The experience has taught me how much more important it is to give than receive.

Every year Stephanie and her son get up early and watch the Thanksgiving Day parade in their pajamas. Around noon, they get ready to go to her mom’s house for dinner (and, of course, they take home plenty of leftovers!). But no Thanksgiving would be complete without bringing her horse, Chief, a pumpkin as a treat.

Lena Maria’s Thanksgiving tradition was born out of playful family rivalry. After seeing Saturday Night Live’s Thanksgiving Miracle segment – where Adele’s Hello was the only thing that saved the family from saying inappropriate comments at dinner – Lena Maria’s family decided to put their own special spin on the song. Each family member took on a different lyric, replicating the songstress’ distinct style. Then they sent the video to their Rhode Island and Ohio relatives and challenged them to a song-off. The families plan on repeating the fun this year with a new hit song.

Over 40 family members gather from as far as New Zealand for Thanksgiving dinner. But first – orienteering at a state park. Orienteering is a fun sport that requires its participants to use a map and compass to navigate from point to point in unfamiliar terrains (think of it as a variation on the classic scavenger hunt). The winner gets his or her name carved into a rustic wooden plaque, plus ultimate bragging rights.

For Samantha’s family, the holiday is bittersweet. When her uncle, Adam, was undergoing chemo, all he wanted to eat on Thanksgiving was pizza. From then on that’s what he enjoyed for each and every Thanksgiving dinner. Sadly, Adam passed away a couple of years ago. Samantha’s family continues to eat a pizza pie every year on Thanksgiving to celebrate his life.