Thanksgiving traditions span family, food, football and holiday shopping

When asked about Thanksgiving, most people think about the tables of food, time with family, watching football or planning Black Friday sales trips. For some, Thanksgiving brings back memories from their childhood, and for others, it’s time to create traditions for their children and grandchildren.

Kyle Dobbins said he doesn’t have traditions for Thanksgiving, but he said he is looking forward to the delicious meal that awaits. He also mentioned memories of his childhood when his mom’s side of the family all gathered at his aunt’s house in Warsaw.

“I’d say there was anywhere from 30-50 people there and every kind of food and dessert,” Dobbins said. The tradition ended when his grandparents passed away.

Kristi Schonauer shared a new tradition for her family. Her family all gathers at her daughter and son-in-law’s home.

“It’s on the Saturday of the Ohio State and the team up north game. My favorite is the grandkids get their Christmas ornaments for their tree, and they get so excited to see what it is each year. We also give them their Advent calendars to kick off Christmas season,” she said.

“Our tradition consists of getting our tree from Scheetz’s tree farm first thing in the morning, and we spend the entire day decorating with holiday movies on the TV in the background,” Andrea Walsh said. “We have a cozy pizza night in and just enjoy the upcoming season by the warmth of the tree. The older I get, the less of a people and crowd person I am, so I prefer online shopping from my couch and in my pajamas right on my phone and especially hitting up those Cyber Monday deals.

"I sign up to be a rewards member if not already from most sites to take advantage of percentages off as well as free shipping promos. There’s always perks of that too for here and there coupons. I also stalk RetailMeNot for online promo codes to apply to those holiday purchases.”

For others, Thanksgiving will begin with a walk or run in the morning in preparation for the big feast later. Some people choose to spend part of their day serving meals to others before joining their family dinners. Some families choose to keep the meal something easy and simply enjoy being together.