Changing colors, cool wind and crunchy leaves are all signs that fall is coming – except that’s not always the case in Houston. Despite our unpredictable weather, fall is here, and so is Thanksgiving.

While Thanksgiving might not bring a change in weather, it does bring my favorite traditions each year.

Turkey Trot
Many families begin their Thanksgiving day by participating in a Turkey Trot. There are many different runs to choose from, including the Houston Methodist trot, the Houston Turkey Dash and the Turkey Trot. The options can vary between a one-mile walk, a timed 5K and a timed 10K; there’s something for everyone. While I don’t participate in this particular tradition, I think it is an impressive accomplishment and I hope to one day partake in it. This is a perfect activity for families to bond together while staying active.

Football
In my opinion, the best way to let all of that Thanksgiving food digest is to recline on the couch and watch TV. Though I might not understand all of the ins and outs of football, I still enjoy watching it, especially when surrounded by friends. If you decide you want to watch, there will be three games throughout the day to pick from. The Chicago Bears will be playing the Detroit Lions at 11:30 a.m., the New York Giants play the Dallas Cowboys at 3:30 p.m. and the Miami Dolphins play the Green Bay Packers at 7:20 p.m. Additionally, while it’s not on Thanksgiving day, the much anticipated Texas and A&M game will be happening two days later, on Nov. 30. I love the nostalgia that comes with having a football game on in the background, and it can be appreciated by anyone.

Parade
Growing up, I remember always watching the parade on TV. It’s so nostalgic for me to be curled up with my siblings on the couch in the morning. This year, the 75th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade will be at 9 a.m. on Nov. 28. It travels over 20 blocks of downtown Houston and always has entertaining floats and large balloons. Aside from the local level, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City boasts an impressive 22 balloons and 34 floats. Regardless of which parade you choose to watch, it will be enjoyable.

Thanksgiving Dinner
Though it’s not everyone’s favorite, every year I look forward to green bean casserole. It is without a doubt my favorite side dish. Other favorites like mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, sweet potato casserole and stuffing are all classics that can be expected to cover the table. All of these are delicious, but my favorite part of the meal isn’t the main dishes – it’s the dessert. A hallmark of the fall season, there are many different types of pies. Every year, I can count on seeing apple, pecan, pumpkin and sometimes even key lime pies lining the dining table once our Thanksgiving meal is complete. Many of my family members are loyal to their own specific recipes – I love my grandmother’s apple pies and nothing makes me feel more at home and comforted than the first bite. If you don’t already have a go-to pie to bring to your Thanksgiving gatherings, why not find one this year? And if you don’t feel like laboring in the kitchen, Costco has an amazing pumpkin pie – no one will know it’s not homemade!


Gratitude
There’s no other way I would want to start a day dedicated to being thankful than surrounded by my family. Thanksgiving day is a great day to take some time and reflect on the year. It’s always so sweet to receive and send texts to friends, reminding them how grateful I am that they are in my life. While it can be stressful and not always ideal, I think it is a staple of the holiday season to go visit family members. Regardless of the way your family spends Thanksgiving, I think that it is important to set aside time to reflect on having gratitude, even just on the simple things.

No matter how you spend the day, enjoy a week off of school and spend your break enjoying food, family and all of the festivities.