As we at Force 5 prepare for Thanksgiving with our families and loved ones, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on what makes Thanksgiving special for each one of us. No matter if it is family traditions, particular dishes, the sights, smells, or the company, there is something special about this holiday.
So, please join us as we reflect on what makes Thanksgiving so magical for each one of us.
Deb DeFreeuw
Thanksgiving is full of traditions that make it one of my favorite times of the year. As a kid, I loved having kiddie cocktails—7-Up with a splash of Mogen David and a cherry—while watching the parades on TV. Those moments are etched in my memory, but the tradition closest to my heart is preparing the Thanksgiving meal with my family.
Every year, my Poppy and I prepare the turkey together. Even though I’m vegetarian, this ritual remains a special connection between us—a blend of humor, teamwork, and tradition. Then, it’s time to make the dressing with my mom. She doesn’t have a written recipe, so it’s a yearly masterpiece crafted from instinct and love. Thankfully, the gizzards are no longer part of the equation, but the memories we create in the kitchen are as rich as ever.
Thanksgiving isn’t just about the meal—it’s about the moments we share, the stories we tell, and the traditions that remind us of the bonds we hold dear. What’s your favorite Thanksgiving tradition?
Beth North
Thanksgiving is my personal favorite of all holidays. Every. Single. Thing. about the gathering (whether at my house, or another family member’s; whether on the ACTUAL “bank holiday” US National Holiday of “the last Thursday of November” or on a day when everybody can make it) is MY favorite. Mainly though it is preparing the food, gathering to give thanks, saying grace together holding hands, eating until you can’t eat anymore, and hanging out together. THE PEOPLE WE LOVE make it so.
Joe Hektor
Thanksgiving is one of those holidays that is always wrapped in warmth and family. I remember as a kid helping my family get the house immaculate for visitors and helping our mother cook. I hope I never forget the magical smells that filled the house while my mother prepared a Thanksgiving feast. Coming from a large family, my mother has always been a great cook and included us kids at an early age. A life skill I am grateful for to this day.
Even with all the great food and company, my favorite part was the relief when all the cleaning and cooking was done. You knew you could coast for the rest of the day, watching football, parades, or getting a head start on Christmas movies.
Now that I have kids of my own, my favorite memories include them trying new foods for the first time and keeping them engaged. Not a Thanksgiving goes by now that I don’t think about my daughter putting olives on her fingers when she was younger. And, discovering the only thing she liked at the time was mashed potatoes. Or my son only wanting to eat hotdogs and macaroni and cheese. Then playing with the kids on the floor while their mother and grandmother pour over the Black Friday ads while they plan their traditional early morning shopping trip.
No matter where you are in life, have a great Thanksgiving, and don’t forget that you are making memories not only for yourself but also for those around you.
Nicole Nusbaum
Thanksgiving is hands down my favorite holiday! The food, the football, THE NAP…all of it! I have celebrated in all sorts of ways and venue’s: with family both immediate and extended, with friends (super great “transplant” Friendsgiving’s counted for a lot of my LA years), significant other’s family – you name it. But the one constant and my absolute favorite part – THE MACY’S PARADE! Never miss it. Favorite two hours of the year!
Thank you for letting us share some of our favorite Thanksgiving Traditions and memories with you. We at Force 5 hope you have a great Thanksgiving and continue to share the warmth, traditions, and memories with those around you this, and every year.
