The holiday season is all about traditions, and it would be hard to find a more traditional holiday than Thanksgiving. The idea of giving thanks for our blessings and breaking bread with our loved ones has been around longer than the country, and the tradition has continued to grow and strengthen for well over two hundred years.
Ever since the first pilgrims sat down with the first Indians all those years ago, the Thanksgiving holiday has been a special time of year. Whether you are celebrating the first Thanksgiving in your new home, hosting your first big feast as a couple or just getting together and sharing food with family and friends, now is the time to make memories and start a new annual tradition.
The Thanksgiving Day holiday has been around for hundreds of years, and that means there are plenty of great traditions surrounding this time of year. The state of Georgia is filled to overflowing with great Thanksgiving Day traditions, and here are some of our favorites.
Run Off Your Turkey
If you want to get a jump start on your diet and proactively work off that big feast, you can start Thanksgiving Day with a run. There are plenty of fun runs, half marathons and 5k races in the state of Georgia, but one of the biggest takes place in Atlanta.
The fun kicks off bright and early at Turner Field downtown, where runners gather at 7:30 a.m. for a Thanksgiving Day 5k. There are even special races, complete with prizes, for the little ones.
Enjoy Some Great Ice Skating
Ice skating is a proud tradition in the state of Georgia, and many visitors are surprised at just how popular the sport is here. The relatively temperature climate may not allow the lakes to freeze solid, but there are plenty of indoor ice rinks scattered throughout the state.
Many families have a Thanksgiving Day tradition in which they lace up their skates right after dinner to work off the holiday turkey and have some fun. Whether you are a first time skater or an experienced ice dancer, Thanksgiving is the perfect time to enjoy some cold weather fun.
Take in a Football Game (or Play One Yourself)
Football is a proud Thanksgiving Day tradition throughout the country, but Georgia residents are especially proud of their teams. There are ample opportunities for families to watch their favorite game together, either on TV or at live venues throughout the state.
From Atlanta and its suburbs to more rural parts of the state, the sport of Football is alive and well in the state of Georgia. Whether you watch the regular Thanksgiving Day games on TV or pick up the pigskin and play in the backyard, football is one of the most beloved Georgia traditions.
The Thanksgiving Day holiday is a time of fun and family, and a great opportunity for everyone to gather around the table. If you are hosting your out-of-town relatives for the big day, you can incorporate these Georgia traditions into your holiday feast. If you are traveling to far-off lands, you can bring your favorite Georgia Thanksgiving traditions with you.