Gobble gobble! Thanksgiving is approaching us at a very rapid pace… Bring on all the food! Every year since 1621, Americans across the country have been celebrating Thanksgiving in a very traditional way. This tradition involves a large turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and a multitude of potatoes. Although this arrangement of food is delicious, it has not changed since the holiday was established. As the times change, the food and décor should evolve with it. There’s no shame in eating and doing the same thing every year, but why not change it up?

With it almost being a new decade, let’s start the new year avoiding old traditions such as these:

Different Year, Same Food 

It’s nearly 2020, let’s start a new tradition where we eat only fresh and delicious foods for the holidays. No more repetitive meals with food that we only feel like we need to eat. Thanksgiving is all about spending time with your loved ones while celebrating all the things you’re thankful for, so why does this mean we need to eat turkey? Eating coconut curry chicken or Mongolian beef would put a new and modern twist on celebrating what is America, which is an inclusive melting pot of beautiful people! Don’t get me wrong, turkey and mashed potatoes are delicious, but implementing a little change could make the holidays more fun and adventurous.

Bland Décor No More 

Instead of decorating your house or wherever Thanksgiving is being hosted this year with pumpkins, turkeys, and warm colors, put a spin on the outdated Thanksgiving look. Creating a fun theme that coincides with the new flavorful dishes you’ll be serving will tie together the new exciting tradition you’ve started. For example, if you’re serving Mongolian beef, the overall theme could be a Chinese origami party. The decor could be an array of traditional Chinese colors, dragons, chopsticks, and artwork. Instead of laying around with your stretchy pants on, full to the brim, watching television, you and your family could try out folding origami while enjoying fortune cookies. There is no limit to what you could do with your new Thanksgiving décor and traditions.

Tacky Conversation Topics 

We all have our opinions and beliefs, but the Thanksgiving table should not be the place to unload them all. Let’s keep the controversial topics of politics and religion to ourselves and make the conversations lighthearted. Although you may not be able to control what others say, you can keep your own urges to debate to a minimum. Uncle Earl, or that cousin that only comes around once a year, may have some strong opinions that they are most likely going to voice, but enticing them can only go south. A way you can avoid these situations are by only starting fun and light conversations, such as, “What’s the most fun thing you did all year?” or “When was the last time you did something for the first time?” These topics will create a spur of excitement and positivity rather than cynical feelings. If unfortunate statements are made, the best way to deter them from continuing is by slightly drifting the topic into a positive one without the culprit feeling belittled (don’t poke the bear). Cheers to a pleasant and nonconfrontational holiday season!

Take A Holiday From The Holidays

Celebrating Thanksgiving and any other holiday may be something you look forward to every year, but that’s not the case for everyone. Due to family obligations and expectations, the holidays can wreak havoc on your mental state. If this is a reality for you, try opting out of Thanksgiving this year. If the holidays only bring you stress, it’s important to prioritize yourself and do what your mind and body require. Rather than flying home, fly somewhere tropical, like Saint Lucia. The warm weather, tropical atmosphere, and fresh food will do you right! There’s nothing more non-traditional than going on vacation for Thanksgiving. This idea may be a little crazy for some people, but it may also be necessary. Instead of celebrating Thanksgiving with a turkey, basic décor, and less than enjoyable dinner conversations, let’s take charge of our traditions and do the holidays in a pleasurable way. Whether that be eating culturally rich foods, trying out vibrant décor, or throwing out the holidays altogether, let’s close this decade on a happy and fresh note!