Thanksgiving Fun

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and if you’re anything like me, your mind is already on the food—turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie, and everything in between. It’s the one day we unapologetically feast while giving thanks for all our blessings!

Today, let’s dive into the fun and festive side of Thanksgiving food! We’ll explore some surprising food facts, reminisce about classic dishes, and talk about how food brings us together in such a special way during this holiday.

But as we talk turkey, let’s not forget what this day is truly about. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us, “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” Thanksgiving is the perfect time to keep our hearts full of gratitude while enjoying the feast before us.

Let’s start with the Thanksgiving table’s star attraction: the turkey!

Did you know that Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to be the national bird of the United States instead of the bald eagle? He thought turkeys were more noble and respectable. Can you imagine celebrating America with a turkey on the flag?

Here’s another fun fact: Americans eat an estimated 46 million turkeys on Thanksgiving Day! That’s enough to circle the globe nearly five times if you line them up beak to tail. Turkey has certainly earned its place in Thanksgiving tradition.

And what about that post-dinner sleepiness? While turkey contains tryptophan, the real culprits are likely the carbs from all those stuffing, potatoes, and pie servings. It’s a team effort!

Beyond the meal itself, turkey is a reminder of how food can bring people together. There’s something special about gathering around a table, sharing laughs, and pausing to give thanks.

Now, let’s give a little love to the unsung heroes of Thanksgiving: the sides!

From creamy mashed potatoes to green bean casserole, everyone has their favorites. But did you know stuffing wasn’t always served inside the turkey? Early recipes often included unique ingredients like oysters or chestnuts for added flavor.

And those sweet potatoes topped with marshmallows? That iconic dish became popular thanks to a marshmallow company’s marketing campaign in the early 1900s. Talk about creative advertising!

Cranberry sauce, on the other hand, has roots that go back much further. Native Americans used cranberries for food, dye, and medicine, making it one of the oldest Thanksgiving traditions. Today, whether jellied, saucy, or chutney-style, cranberries remind us that even the smallest additions can make a meal special.

Thanksgiving sides are a great metaphor for life—sometimes it’s the little things, like an extra scoop of stuffing or dollop of cranberry sauce, that bring the most joy.

Of course, no Thanksgiving meal is complete without dessert! Pumpkin pie is the quintessential Thanksgiving treat, but here’s an interesting tidbit: early settlers didn’t have ovens to bake pies. Instead, they hollowed out pumpkins, filled them with milk, honey, and spices, and roasted them in the fire. Now that’s dedication!

While pumpkin pie may reign supreme, pecan and apple pies are also top contenders. Fun fact: pecans are the only major tree nut native to North America, so every slice of pecan pie is a bite of history.

Dessert is more than just a sweet ending. It’s the perfect opportunity to slow down, share stories, and savor the goodness of the season. Whether you’re team pumpkin or pecan, dessert truly is the whipped cream on top of Thanksgiving dinner.

As we approach Thanksgiving, I hope you’re as excited as I am for all the delicious food it brings. But more than the turkey, sides, and pie, this holiday is about gratitude—taking a moment to thank God for His blessings and the people we share them with.

Psalm 107:8-9 says, “Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them. For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.” Every bite we enjoy is a reflection of God’s provision and care.

Whether you’re preparing a feast for twenty or enjoying a quiet meal with a few loved ones, let’s make this Thanksgiving one of gratitude, love, and connection.

Celebrate the blessings, savor the moments, and give thanks for the abundance of God’s goodness in our lives.