The first Thanksgiving is believed to have been celebrated between September and November of 1621. The Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Indians came together to celebrate a good harvest. Congress eventually passed a law in 1941 that Thanksgiving wold be celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November every year.
What Thanksgiving Means to Me
Thanksgiving is less than three weeks away… oh my goodness… I’m shocking myself as I type this! I love it for so many reasons. First of all, the majority of our family comes in town for Thanksgiving… not usually Christmas or Easter. My heart and house feel full and complete with everyone close. Second, it’s more laid back than the other holidays. No presents and no bustling from house to house to open presents in a mad rush only to have to move on to the next activity of the day. Third, only one meal to help prepare. On Christmas I usually end up cooking a big breakfast and dinner. The majority of the day (though fun and joyful) is spent cooking and cleaning up before the next meal.
This year my sister is hosting in her fabulous new home so me, Allen and the kids are going to participate in the Turkey Trot with the rest of the fam. After our big lunch that we sit down to around 1:00 pm we just hang out and lounge around while the kids play football outside. We end the night nibbling on our favorite leftover sides while I prep for Black Friday shopping the next morning.
My most favorite memories are some of the hardest ones too.
My grandfather died on Thanksgiving morning but my grandmother still hosted Thanksgiving dinner. He would have wanted it that way so that’s just what we did. Another memory that sticks out in my mind is the fact that that I had to sit at the kids table until I think I was married. Seriously. Our big table was always full because in addition to our family, any friends without a place to go on Turkey Day were invited to dinner. That’s I also remember the first Thanksgivings after I lost each of parents. They were hard days but being with family just made it easier.
Cooking with my aunts and cousins filled the void of my mom not being around to help me get the turkey on the table on time. My football-loving dad would always be the first one in the den to turn on the games. Now, it’s my boys racing to the remote to see who can grab it fastest. We always have lots of wine, plenty of laughs and tons of quality time.
What to Wear for Thanksgiving
I have learned over the years that everyone celebrates Thanksgiving differently. There are different traditions, activities, foods… The list goes on. Growing up, we always “dressed” for dinner but like times change, rules and habits to do. I have learned that the company is just as sweet, the tastes just as good, and the memories are just as special, no matter what you are wearing.
Athleisure
I’ll be starting this Thanksgiving (and ending it!) in the my everyday mom style which includes yoga pants, t-shirt, sweatshirt or hoodie. This year, as I said previously, we are participating in the Turkey Trot here in Charlotte. My family will probably all be running it and I will be taking up the rear- W-A-L-K-I-N-G. Then at the end of the day (aka the meal) I’ll be putting this right back on to watch some football and Hallmark Christmas movies.
Jacket | Leggings (40% OFF with CODE: FFTIME)
Sweatshirt| Leggings (40% OFF with CODE: FFTIME)
Casual Looks
Growing up, we were categorically not allowed to wear jeans. My mom, aunts and grandmother would have sooner died. Part of me still thinks my mom and Nanny would turn over in their graves if I wore jeans to a major family holiday (aka Thanksgiving, Christmas or Easter). But I don’t mind if others wear jeans at all. Come as you are is (now) mine and my sister’s philosophy. It doesn’t make you any less thankful for the day and what you have if you have on some comfortable jeans instead of a skirt and blouse.
Blouse | Jeans | Booties | Bag
This button-down would be great tucked into some wide-leg jeans. Also, pants with a belt. Or tucked out with your favorite skinny jeans and slides.
Jacket | Blouse | Jeans ($40!)
Dressy Looks
Sometimes I do dress up a little more for Turkey Day. I enjoy wearing a dress with beautiful fall colors. These dresses are for sure in the running for this year especially the Ulla Johnson one. Depending on the temps and preference, you could throw it on with boots, booties or your favorite heels.
Leather Jacket | Dress (NOW ON SALE!!) | Shoes | Bag
Somewhere in the Middle
This is pretty much how we all end up dressing for Thanksgiving… Easy enough to be comfortable and able to eat all the turkey but a step up from your everyday.
Boots (under $50) | Dress (Mine is from Boem) | Hat
Sweater | Skirt | OTK Boots | Earrings
Hat | Dress | Cardigan (similiar- mine is sold out)
What does Thanksgiving Mean to You?
Let me know what’s special about Thanksgiving for you and your family? What are your special traditions? What about some favorite memories?
I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving and spend time with family and good friends and eat to your hearts content! Stay tuned for yummy side dishes and appetizers coming up later in the week.
Gobble Gobble y’all!
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