When we think of Thanksgiving, most of us think of food and lots of it. How big should the turkey be? Mashed potatoes or yams? Cranberry sauce or cranberry jello? Pumpkin pie or fruit pie? The list goes on. But did you know that, according to historians, none of those items were actually on the menu for the first Thanksgiving?
Duck, duck, goose
The main proteins were likely deer, duck, geese, oysters, and fish. There were no mashed potatoes, and cranberries came in the form of an actual cranberry. Until the invention of traditional ovens, pies didn’t look the way they do now. In fact, it’s believed that pumpkin pies were probably stewed pumpkins, hollowed out, seasoned with spices, and baked in hot ashes (think more like pumpkin soufflé).
One small step for Thanksgiving
Another notable “first?” Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin’s first meal in space after walking on the moon was, roasted turkey (served in foil packets, arguably much less tasty).
Something old and something new
What are some of your favorite Thanksgiving traditions?
Wishbone at the end of the day (when everything is cleaned up, of course).
Have everyone write a “Thankful Note” for each family member and read it at the table (in place of, or in addition to traditional prayer).
Annual centerpiece tradition: pick a branch from your yard, cut up construction paper in leaf shapes, and have each family member write what they’re thankful for. Then hang the leaves on the branch, and, voilà! Centerpiece. Keep them in a box, and revisit every few years to see what’s changed! Like a time capsule.
Personalize your table: The night before, set up a quick craft table, and have everyone decorate a placecards for their spot at the table. Fold up a piece of construction paper; put the name facing them, and what they’re thankful for facing the rest of the table guests.
Pass around a journal: Every year, pass around a journal where the family writes down what they’re thankful for. (For kids who are too young to write, have the adults transcribe). Keep it going every year! When the kids move out, you’ll have fond memories, and they’ll have a tradition of their own!
Looking for more easy and/or last minute DIY Thanksgiving home ideas? Check this link out.
Giving and receiving
And are you so thankful, you want to sell your house or buy one for your own Thanksgiving feasts? Trelora Real Estate serves the entire Colorado Front Range, Summit County and Seattle Metro Area. Our mission is simple: full service real estate for a fraction of the cost. When you hire a traditional agent to help you buy or sell your home, you pay that agent 3-6% of the home’s value. Not with us.
When you hire Trelora, you pay just 1% to sell your home. You’ll also get best-in-class customer service, and a team of expert agents who close hundreds of deals per year. And keep in mind, especially if you’re moving or you have friends in other states, that Trelora can help you in Atlanta, Charleston, Charlotte, Denver, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Raleigh, Sacramento, Seattle and Tucson. In the meantime, please stay healthy and safe.
