From watching the iconic Macy’s Day Parade to gobbling delicious food, Thanksgiving is right around the corner of a pumpkin pie. While school work intensifies as finals season is shortly approaching, Fairfield University students are looking forward to Thanksgiving break. Inspired by content creator and author Eli Rallo, here are my “Rules for Thanksgiving.”
The Night Before: Thanksgiving Eve
An official holiday coined by social media, Thanksgiving Eve is the night that includes both catching up with friends and unexpected run-ins with people from your past. If you are 21 and going out to a hometown bar, prepare yourself. Whatever your prerogative is, Thanksgiving Eve is the first time in a long time that all your friends from your hometown are back since August. Festivities can include going out to an aesthetic restaurant for dinner or hosting your own dinner party for Friendsgiving.
You can watch “A Saturday Night Live Thanksgiving,” which is a plethora of comedy skits that aired last Thanksgiving Eve. You can also attend a show, whether that be a movie or musical performance. “Wicked: For Good” (coming out Nov. 21), “Zootopia 2” (coming out Nov. 26), and “A Very Jonas Christmas Movie” (released on Disney+ Nov. 14) are amusing watch options.
Wake up Early(ish)
What a better way to begin the day than waking up to the aroma of cinnamon rolls? If you are hosting a Thanksgiving celebration, you can start the day by preparing the glorious feast. You can also just watch your family fight about the responsibilities as you scroll on Pinterest for dinner outfit inspiration. Even better yet, if another family member, neighbor or friend is hosting your celebration, get dressed quickly and grab a breakfast with your siblings, cousins or friends somewhere in your town. Nothing hits like a morning debrief.
Trot or be Trotted
The good ol’ Turkey Trot…You either come from a Turkey Trot family or you don’t. If you grew up in a Turkey Trot family, you probably end up running the same annual race every year. If you did not grow up in a Turkey Trot family, but are interested in participating, Facebook and TikTok are social media platforms that aid in finding fun options.
If it’s too late to sign up for one, don’t fret! You don’t have to be in an official trot to gather your flock and run around. Go to your childhood park for the nostalgic feels and start your own run (or preferably a walk) there.
“Good Morning and Welcome to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!”
It’s not Thanksgiving morning if Al Roker isn’t on TV with his classic fedora starting the parade in the Upper West Side. Many Fairfield University students are native New Yorkers who are able to watch the action happen live. “One of my favorite traditions is walking to the corner of my block to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade floats make their way down to 34th Street,” said sophomore Olivia Stolar. “I love the energy of my neighborhood coming together to watch the parade and feeling like it’s the start of the holiday season!”
There is something so bittersweet about watching Hoda and Savannah sitting in front of the beloved department store building. Whether you are live in person, watching it on your couch or plan on tuning into your local city’s broadcast, parades bring a wave of collective effervescence for people who have shared experiences.
Season 2, Episode 8 “The One With the List”
Just like this list of activities, it wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without a special episode of “Friends.” “Friends” offers many Turkey Day themed episodes that you can watch on your own or with your family. With plot twists like Brad Pitt guest starring in Season 8, Episode 9 “The One With the Rumor” to Monica ending up with a Turkey on her head in Season 5, Episode 8 “The One With All the Thanksgivings,” there is something for everyone. A tradition I have made for myself over the years is watching my personal favorite Season 3, Episode 9 “The One With the Football” as I get ready to see my extended family.
Aside from the classic “Friends,” the “Gossip Girl” Thanksgiving episodes have made an impact since they aired in the 2000s. Nothing says Thanksgiving more than “Whatcha Say” as everyone sits around the table expressing gratitude or sharing their true feelings. Like Eric VanDerWoodsen said, “Your sweet potatoes are bland.” Season 3, Episode 11 “The Treasure of Serena Madre” brings the messiness, drama and comfort of being home for the holidays.
Time for the Cousin Meet-Up
“So have you met anyone new?”…“Pass the gravy.” Getting asked the questions that you rather wish to avoid is part of this holiday spectacular. After a long time being away at school, juggling the balance of work and activities, and being on different time schedules, the cousin catch-up is one like no other. Taking a walk around the childhood neighborhoods, playing countless rounds of Uno and watching humorous home videos make the time together even more special. A wholesome activity that you can do is find someone to break the turkey wishbone with, an activity I used to do with my grandma. The person who receives the larger piece is able to grant their wish.
Shop Till You Drop (Literally)
After a tiresome day of eating turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie oh my, you have to get to sleep relatively early to prepare for “The Hunger Games” aka Black Friday shopping. Some people are the online shoppers, others are the go with the flow browsers, while an elite set of people take on the mentality of “shop till you drop.” Make sure to check out the best deals so that you can be prepared for the big day.
Thanksgiving is a time spent with family and friends around a table of food, expressing gratitude for your blessings. Pumpkin spicing up your Thanksgiving this year can elevate the magic. Whether you are spending the holiday in the comfort of your own home, at a relative’s or friend’s house or staying here in Fairfield, hopefully this list of rules provides an activity that speaks to you.
