Our Thanksgiving Traditions: From Wing Wednesday to Pumpkin Pie Bliss

Thanksgiving—just saying it warms your heart, doesn’t it? It’s one of those holidays that’s all about family, food, gratitude, and a touch of chaos... in the best way possible. But before we dive into our own festive routine, let’s take a quick look back at how this holiday came to be.

A Brief History of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving traces its roots back to 1621 when the Pilgrims and Wampanoag Native Americans gathered for a feast to celebrate a successful harvest. Though the first Thanksgiving looked very different from today’s celebrations (no parades or green bean casserole, sadly!), the core value has stayed the same: giving thanks. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday, inviting the nation to pause and be grateful—even in the midst of the Civil War. And since then, we've gathered every year—with a slightly more delicious menu —to reflect on abundance, family, and tradition.

Our Slacks to Sweats Thanksgiving Tradition

Over at Slacks to Sweats HQ (aka our cozy Wisconsin homes), Thanksgiving is much more than turkey and stuffing—it’s a vibe. Here’s how we make the most of one of our favorite holidays:

Wing Wednesday: Because Who Wants to Cook Before Cooking?

Let’s be real: nobody wants to spend the night before Thanksgiving doing dishes. So we kick off the festivities with Wing Wednesday at the local bar and grill. It’s our way of easing into the holiday weekend—no cooking, no fuss, just good food and better company. The motto: conserve the energy... for tomorrow.

Grocery Shopping and Prep Day

The morning after Wing Wednesday, we roll up our sleeves and hit the grocery store. Armed with a list and a latte, we stock up on everything from turkey and veggies to the essentials for pumpkin pie. Once we’re home, it’s time for peeling, chopping, and prepping all the dishes we’ll be feasting on the next day.

Thanksgiving Morning: Parade + Prep Party

Thursday morning starts bright and early—usually before the coffee kicks in. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is turned on (honestly, it’s not Thanksgiving without it), and while the cheerful floats drift across the screen, the girls take command of the kitchen. We stir, bake, and taste-test while cleaning up and chatting away. And where are the guys? Out hunting. Of course. Jason, Sam’s husband, has one job: the turkey. And he does it well. We swear that bird is better than anything you’ll find on Pinterest.

Dinner Time: Gratitude and Good Food

By afternoon, everyone’s gathered around the table—family, friends, and whoever else wandered in. We start with a prayer, reflecting on the blessings of the year, then it’s time to dig in. Here’s what’s usually on our table:

Turkey (thanks, Jason!)

Mashed potatoes

Green bean casserole

Squash

Pasta salads

Fresh veggies

Pumpkin pie (the true star)

We eat, laugh, pass the gravy, and tell stories that get funnier every time they’re told.

Evening Festivities: Ads + Black Friday + Football

Once dinner’s done and the dishes are stacked (or at least soaking), the girls grab the ads and start planning our Black Friday acquisitions. Meanwhile, the guys are zoned in on the football games, festive drinks in hand. The house is cozy, chaotic, and full of love—exactly how we like it.

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Whether you’re going all out with a five-course meal or keeping it casual with pizza (hey, no judgment), we hope your Thanksgiving is filled with joy, laughter, and a little sparkle of tradition.

From our Slacks to Sweats family to yours—Happy Thanksgiving!

Want more holiday inspo? Check out our newest seasonal content, true crime exclusives, and stay in the loop by joining our email list or heading over to slackstosweatspodcast.com. Until next time, stay cozy and grateful.

Sam & Amber