Thanksgiving 2008 is upon us and because of an unsettled economy this year Thanksgiving 2008 sales are forecast to be down, so people are focusing on the simpler aspects of the holiday. This year, it’s all about tradition.
The 2008 thanksgiving day is celebrated on Thursday, November 27th in USA and on Monday, October 13th in Canada.
According to the American Farm Bureau, prices for the traditional parts of the Thanksgiving feast increased slightly. Last year, the price of a usual menu for a family of 10 people, was $42.35. This year, the price is $44.61. This price includes favorites such as turkey, stuffing, cranberries, pumpkin pie, sweet potatoes, rolls, butter, peas, carrots, celery, coffee and milk.
The biggest price increase is for turkey. A 16-lb turkey costs about $19.09, or about $1.19 per pound, an increase of nine cents per pound.
Many people are offsetting the price increase by taking advantage of special deals. Many local supermarkets offer free turkeys with the purchase of a certain amount of groceries, usually about $50. Many other supermarkets and restaurants offer complete take-out meals for a price in the range of $50 to $75 for about 10 people.
Roast turkey is still by far the entrée of choice for most people, but many are discovering other alternatives. Grilled turkey, deep-fried turkey and turkey kabobs are only a few of the many ways people are trying to make their own traditions. “Tofurky” is a tofu-based turkey substitute enjoyed by vegans on Thanksgiving and other holidays. It is surprisingly flavorful and even includes “wish sticks” instead of traditional turkey wishbones.
The other Thanksgiving meal components have healthier alternatives too: Mashed potatoes can be moistened with broth rather than with butter. Pumpkin pie can be made with skim milk, sugar substitutes and low fat graham cracker crusts etc. There are many recipes for these items online.
While food is a main part of any Thanksgiving feast, it is not the only part by any means.
In keeping with the original intent of the Thanksgiving holiday, many people begin the day by attending church services, commemorating the Pilgrims’ gratitude for surviving their first harsh years in North America.
Thanksgiving has also resulted in several television traditions. For example, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, made famous by the movie “Miracle on 34th Street”, is “must-see TV” for many children. This extravaganza includes many live performances. This year’s edition will include performances by Tony, award winner and Emmy nominee Kristen Chenoweth, teen star Miley Cyrus, David Archuleta, James Taylor, Trace Adkins and Darius Rucker. The thanksgiving parade 2008 airs on NBC from 9 a.m to noon EST (eastern standard time).
New York is not the only city to host Thanksgiving Day parade. Other cities, including Chicago, Detroit, Baltimore and Philadelphia each have their own versions. Each of these parades features a visit by that familiar jolly old elf. Santa loves to start the Christmas shopping season and usually get the key to the city when he visits. Those who come to watch the parades may be able to tour the warehouse where the floats are constructed to watch how such big events come together.
Another tradition is to watch A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. It is one of a triumvirate of Peanuts holiday specials. Who can forget the mishaps poor old Charlie Brown endures when Peppermint Patty invites herself and Marcy for Thanksgiving dinner when all he can really make is toast and popcorn. If you missed the television broadcast, buy or rent the DVD.
Most television channels schedule family-friendly movies and specials on Thanksgiving Day, including Casper, Scooby Doo and the first of many seasonal showings of holiday classics such as “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “Miracle on 34th Street,” and “A Christmas Story.” It’s a great way to keep kids occupied while the grown ups discuss the gift options and other Christmas plans.
One aspect of that guys love is Thanksgiving Football. The Detroit Lions started the tradition of a Thanksgiving Day parade in 1934 and has hosted a game each year since, except during World War II. This year, the team has the dubious distinction of being the only winless team in the NFL. On Thanksgiving Day, they will play the Tennessee Titans in an effort to break their 11-game losing, while streak Jesse McCartney will perform at half-time.
Other NFL games include the Dallas Cowboys hosting the Seattle Seahawks (the Jonas Brothers will perform at halftime) and the Philadelphia Eagles hosting the Arizona Cardinals (halftime entertainment was not announced).
The NFL has a new “Play 60″ campaign designed to encourage children to be active for at least 60 minutes a day. The Thanksgiving Day games will feature teens and children singing the national anthem. Public service announcements featuring NFL players will air during the game and local youth football teams will lead the pro teams onto the field at the start of each game.
While the guys will be in the living room watching the games of their choice, in all likely hood, many of the women will be resting up for their big day. For better or worse, many call the day after Thanksgiving “Black Friday“. It is considered the busiest shopping day of the year and the day that puts most retail businesses “in the black” (or profitable) and “out of the red.” Avid shoppers will be scouring the internet and their Thanksgiving Day newspapers and planning their routes for the early hours on Friday when most stores will be open extra early, some as early as midnight.
While these events are important and highly anticipated, the most important part of Thanksgiving is getting together with family and friends. Many people save up throughout the year to make sure they get home for Thanksgiving. The holiday marks one of the busiest times for airports, bus stations and train stations. It is wise to have reservations well in advance.
It may also be surprising to note that the day before Thanksgiving is one of the busiest days for bars, clubs and movie theaters. Young adults use that day to wind down from busy school and work schedules and so head out for a night on the town.
Thanksgiving Day is a well-loved tradition. Even with a tight economy, people will find a way to savor the tastes, smells and sights of the intro to the holiday season and an American thanksgiving.
I wish this is followed in India.. (err.. officially..!!)
amazing stuff thanx
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