Talkin' Turkey Tradition

Turkey season is here, along with chilly weather, family gatherings, pie and of course, turkeys.   We all know about the first Thanksgiving, and why we have turkey, but what about some of the other traditions?  Let’s consider…

Why do people watch football on Thanksgiving?  Well, before remote controls, people just were too full to get up after that big meal.  And they were falling asleep anyway.  The ratings appeared to be doing well, so the tradition remains.

Why do people associate either deer hunting or shopping with Thanksgiving? You might be surprised to find that we can answer these with the same reasoning.  You see, the men in ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia were not farmers or business owners.  They were out hunting food for their families, while the women were out in social groups chatting and gathering other supplies (see, we were listening back in high school. Well, sometimes!)  So this tradition, in my book at least, dates back to when the roots of our culture were first being formed.  So now when we’re out hunting down food to feast upon or going out in groups and gathering up the best bargains, it’s nothing new.  We’re hunters and gatherers at heart, we can’t help it. 

Why are there so many parades on television on Thanksgiving morning?  Because seeing all of those giant floats and balloons flying overhead make us feel little, and therefore a little better about stuffing ourselves for the remainder of the day.  It also keeps the kids entertained while we madly run around cleaning, cooking, stuffing turkeys and trying to keep order.

Really though, the best tradition is that of being with those we love, in heart and spirit if not in person, and being thankful for what we have.  One of our favorite traditions is watching A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving; even Snoopy had it figured out.  At the end of the day when you’re done fighting with the furniture and trying to organize your feast, it’s more important that you’re with the people you love, than whether you’re eating toast or turkey, popcorn or pumpkin pie.  Happy Thanksgiving.