Bruno Pugh
Every November, homes fill with familiar chaos disguised as tradition. Certain routines quietly steal joy and create stress no one signed up for. They stick around because âthatâs how itâs always been,â even when theyâre frustrating. If youâre ready to enjoy the holiday without those recurring annoyances, itâs worth taking a closer look. Here are ten annual practices that should probably end.
Turkey As The Mandatory Centerpiece
Thanksgiving has long revolved around turkey as the centerpiece, but many families feel pressured to serve it even when guests prefer alternatives. Moreover, overeating turkey causes drowsiness, and most modern diners usually explore vegetarian or international dishes. Keeping tradition shouldnât come at the cost of enjoyment or inclusivity.
Overeating To The Point Of Discomfort
Yes! Everyone wants to indulge; however, piling on more food than the body can handle leads to discomfort, not to mention the heartburn and fatigue that creeps in right after. Mindful eating ensures everyone leaves the table satisfied and still ready for the holiday fun ahead.
Watching Football All Day
Watching football can take over the whole roomâcheers, groans, long stares at the screen. But not everyone feels plugged into the play-by-play. Steering the group toward a shared activity or a short walk rekindles connection, inviting conversation back into the room and restoring a sense of togetherness.
Making Dessert A Competitive Sport
Some families turn pies and cakes into an annual showdown, with whispered alliances and judging that feels strangely tense. Itâs meant to be fun, but the pressure takes the joy out of baking. A holiday thatâs supposed to be relaxing shouldnât hinge on whose crust is flakiest.
Gendered Kitchen Roles
Kitchens frequently divide labor along old-fashioned lines, by keeping women cooking and men on the sidelines. This setup is very traditional and limits connections among family members. When roles are shared, conversations flow over chopping boards, and chores become part of the fun rather than a point of stress.
Overloading The Table With Too Many Dishes
The tradition of preparing endless side dishes overwhelms cooks and diners alike. Excess variety leads to waste and stress. Simplifying the menu ensures favorites shine, reduces pressure in the kitchen, and keeps the holiday focused on enjoyment.
Keeping The Same Menu Forever
Insisting on the exact same recipes every single year traps the meal in a predictable loop. Suggesting a new side or adjusting a flavor shouldnât spark guilt or drama. Traditions can evolve, and Thanksgiving feels fresher and more welcoming when the menu is allowed to grow a little.
Forced Gratitude Circles
Public gratitude can be intimidating for quiet or reserved attendees. Compulsory sharing shifts the focus from appreciation to performance. By allowing each person to internalize thanks quietly, it restores authenticity and turns what feels like a chore into a genuinely meaningful pause during the celebration.
Overdecorating With Disposable Items
Thanksgiving decorations often rely on single-use plastics and disposable tableware, creating unnecessary waste. Overdecorating harms the environment and diminishes the holidayâs sustainability. Instead, choosing to reuse decor not only reduces landfill impact but also makes celebrations environmentally conscious.
Turning The Table Into A Yearly Debate Stage
Every family has someone who treats the table like primetime cable news. A few jokes are fine, but full-blown political showdowns ruin the mood fast. Thanksgiving isnât a debate tournament, and forcing everyone to sit through the same argument every year isnât a tradition worth keeping.