Learn wacky things you don’t know about Thanksgiving and its traditions, from three-day feasts to pop culture chaos.
A vast majority of Americans, approximately 91-94% celebrate Thanksgiving, and most incorporate some form of the holiday’s traditional elements. It is a holiday steeped in history, family, and, let’s face it, way too much food. But beyond the turkey and pumpkin pie, the holiday has some little-known facts might surprise even the most devoted pilgrims. Here are 8 wacky things to know about Thanksgiving.
RELATED: Don’t Cook, 5 Things To Bring For Thanksgiving
The First Thanksgiving Was Basically a Three-Day Party
The 1621 harvest celebration in Plymouth wasn’t your standard family dinner. It reportedly lasted three days and included not just turkey, but seafood, venison, and corn. That’s right, if you think your cousin’s extra sidedish is a lot, imagine a 17th-century feast with wild fowl, fish, and deer all in one place.
Today it has become more than just a feast—it’s a major celebration for both alcohol (Blackout Wednesday) and cannabis consumption (Green Wednesday). While traditional turkey dinners and family gatherings dominate, many Americans now pair their meals with craft cocktails, wine, and beer, or explore cannabis-infused edibles and beverages. This growing trend reflects a shift toward mindful indulgence, where holiday relaxation extends beyond food, turning Thanksgiving into one of the busiest days for both alcohol and cannabis use nationwide.
Turkey Didn’t Always Take Center Stage
Believe it or not, the original Thanksgiving meal might not have featured turkey at all. Early settlers served whatever was in season, meaning seafood and other wild birds often stole the spotlight. Turkey eventually became the icon we know today.
Thanksgiving tables are embracing more diverse flavors. Roughly one in five now serve untraditional side dishes, ranging from vegan creations to Asian-inspired recipes. A recent survey found 55% of Americans are open to trying dishes from different cultural backgrounds, reflecting a growing trend of culinary experimentation. Holiday meals are becoming a space for creativity, cultural exchange, and personal expression, adding new flavors to classic celebrations.
Presidential Turkey Pardons Are Surprisingly Recent
Every year, the U.S. president spares a turkey’s life in a quirky ritual. This tradition didn’t officially begin until the 1940s, and some turkeys now enjoy celebrity status, traveling and appearing in public events as part of the holiday festivities.
Macy’s Parade Wasn’t Always About TV Fame
The first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1924 was a clever marketing ploy to bring shoppers to the store—not the media spectacle it is today. Giant balloons like Snoopy and Spider-Man now dominate the streets, but it all started with simple floats and marching bands.
Fresh Cranberries Can Bounce
Yes, you read that correctly. Fresh cranberries contain tiny air pockets, making them bounce like little red balls. Next time you’re prepping your cranberry sauce, toss a few for a surprisingly fun science experiment.
A cranberries are now more than an unloved sauce, they’re stepping into the spotlight in creative ways. Beyond the classic side, these tart berries are being used in festive cocktails, adding a bright, tangy flavor to spirits and mocktails alike. They’re also valued for their digestive benefits, helping settle a heavy holiday meal. From infused syrups and juices to innovative garnishes, cranberries are proving themselves as a versatile, healthful, and flavorful star of the holiday table.
RELATED: Can Marijuana Help A Post-Thanksgiving Detox
Stuffing Has a Risky Side
Cooking stuffing inside the turkey can be risky, as bacteria from the bird can contaminate it. Modern chefs often bake stuffing separately, but many traditionalists insist on the classic inside-the-bird method. And FYI, the three most popular dishes for the big meal are turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing.
Football on Thanksgiving Started as Amateur Fun
The NFL’s Thanksgiving tradition didn’t begin until the 1930s. Before then, football was mostly a local amateur or college affair. Today, Thanksgiving games and halftime snacks are as much a part of the holiday as mashed potatoes and gravy.
And lastly, if you thought Thanksgiving mishaps were just family arguments, think again. The classic 1978 WKRP in Cincinnatiepisode featured live turkeys being dropped from a helicopter—turkeys which, famously, could not fly. Chaos ensued, creating one of TV’s most hilarious and enduring Thanksgiving moments. It’s a reminder turkey traditions don’t always go as planned!
Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, or just love quirky trivia, these Thanksgiving facts show the holiday is more than turkey and pie—it’s full of odd, fascinating, and downright wacky traditions which have stood the test of time.
