It’s the most wonderful time of the year! As the cold winter days creep in, the pressures of the holiday season grow heavier every day.

The stresses of holiday shopping, decorating, and traveling can put a damper on the cheer of this joyful season.

However, there is one holiday amidst the Christmas chaos that allows for a slight pause, a moment to refresh and spend time with the ones you love.

Thanksgiving should be appreciated more as its own holiday, rather than just a segue into Christmas.

The excitement of Thanksgiving is minimized by the anticipation for Christmas, but there are many traditions which make this holiday unique.

The most well-known Thanksgiving tradition is eating a large meal with your family and friends. Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and a thousand different kinds of casseroles, and then finishing it all off with some pie.

But what’s even better than pigging out on all your favorite homemade foods is the nap you take after.

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is undoubtedly one of the most interesting Thanksgiving traditions. This festive display of colorful floats and enormous cartoon character inflatables sets this holiday apart from all others.

A prominent Thanksgiving tradition which can certainly be classified as unique is the annual pardoning of one special turkey by the president.

This long-held tradition where the president picks a turkey and “pardons” it, promising that it will not be eaten for Thanksgiving that year is yet another thing that makes this day special. 

As hectic as the upcoming season can get, the great stresses and pressures of the holidays can be postponed for a nice family gathering around a dinner table.

This year, devote your entire attention to this delightful holiday before returning to your Christmas craze.