Written By : Hannah Corbett
Okay, I’ll admit it: sometimes, the holiday season itself is way more fun than the actual day itself. Don’t get me wrong, I love my family and mashed potatoes, but Thanksgiving just doesn’t hit the way it did when I was a kid. Back then, it felt like such an event. But now? Somehow, it’s just less fun. Maybe Christmas has completely stolen my heart, or maybe growing up just makes it different.
But I got to thinking, and there's so many more traditions surrounding christmas in my family, and little things I've done to make my day more special on christmas for me and my family. For instance, this year will be my 9th year making Tiramisu as my family's Christmas dessert. Every year I have to start the process On Christmas Eve Eve. Whipping mascarpone and layering ladyfingers with military precision because it just wouldn’t feel like Christmas without it! And not only does my family look forward to it now, it sets the mood for christmas! It feels nostalgic knowing I'm making the same dessert, the same exact way, and I even have a special plate for it!
So with saying all of that, I got to thinking about Thanksgiving and how I want the day to be more fun! So I made a bucket list of things I have to have to do. I've done most of these already in past years, but I want to continue to do this every single year after this to make thanksgiving day a fun day filled with things to look forward to!
Thanksgiving Bucket List
1. Wake Up to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
No Thanksgiving is complete without waking up to the parade. There’s something so nostalgic about the sound of marching bands, Broadway numbers, and giant inflatable characters waving to the crowd. It's the ultimate background noise while you’re trying to wake up and figure out why you volunteered to cook.
2. Turkey Trot and Dunkin Run
Last year, I did my first turkey trot, and dragged along my boyfriend and family. Starting the day with an early morning run (we walked) was so much fun. Being around so many people the morning of a holiday with everyone's families was actually cheerful? And honestly It made me feel better about getting a second round of stuffing. On the way to the 5K we obviously stopped at Dunkin. Walking in the cold, sunny morning holding my also freezing cold Peppermint mocha iced coffee was kind of the perfect start to my thanksgiving. And I will for sure be doing it again this year.
3. Thanksgiving Episode Marathon
If there’s one thing that can keep me sane during food prep, it’s reruns of the best Thanksgiving-themed episodes of Friends and New Girl. These episodes are a MUST WATCH. Joey sticks his head in a turkey or Schmidt’s kitchen meltdown just feels right. I let them play in the background while cooking, and getting read. Watching them struggle over holiday hosting as I am doing the same.
4. Make a Speical Festive Drink
What’s Thanksgiving without a little toast? After the parade, the trot, and the Friends marathon, I like to reward myself with a fun drink in a cute glass. Whether it’s mulled wine, a cranberry Moscow mule, or a fancy mocktail, it feels like the official kick-off to the holiday meal. And if it’s got a cinnamon stick garnish? Bonus points
5. Bake Something Sweet
I’m all about baking something homemade, like pie or tarts, but I might also take a sweet tip from Christmas tradition and make cinnamon buns Thanksgiving morning. Imagine waking up to the smell of cinnamon drifting through the house...that is the holiday mood I’m going for.
So that’s my Thanksgiving bucket list, designed to make Thanksgiving actually fun again. With these traditions locked in, I’m ready to bring the holiday season to a whole new level of cozy joy. Make it your own of course, but have this just be a little inspo for you to make things a littel extra special for yourself!