While I’ve never met a holiday I haven’t loved, Thanksgiving is an easy favorite as it launches us into the holiday season in a familial, low-key way. Its style is directed by autumnal foods and color that’s so saturated; cheeks hold the rosy glow from its festive nature. Thanksgiving has its lore with pilgrims and Indians playing nice as they gather, not to mention a fat turkey and a lot of pie varieties. All traditions we can’t wait to celebrate each year.
Thanksgiving can be broken down to the four Fs of celebrating: Family and friends, food, football, and flowers, which are further described as follows:
1. Family and Friends:
There may be a lot of personalities in one family but, perhaps taking its cue from the pilgrims and Indians, everyone makes an effort to play nice with one another. The day moves to a schedule of catching up, activity and a lot of eating. Thanksgiving is less stressful than the pomp surrounding Christmas and more intimate and inclusive than other major holidays. Most of the country is off, which allows you to relax with family and friends without the looming pressure of checking into the office.
2. Food:
Even if you don’t love turkey, you must admit it looks impressive on the table. And what does everyone look forward to at the Thanksgiving meal? The sides! The stuffing and cranberry sauce are always snatched up. Then there’s the interesting ways to cook sweet potatoes—marshmallows? Along with the leftovers that seem to taste better after the holiday.
Each year I try to add something unexpected, such as delightful fondant themed cookies form my local specialty market. If you have a trusted bakery or fine food purveyor, don’t wait till the last minute to make your selection and secure your order early.
3. Football
It’s the unofficial sport of Thanksgiving, either from watching football after serving three of the Thanksgiving meal, or having a backyard version of your own game. A robust round of football is ideal for staving off the lazy trance of turkey tryptophan. Sweater weather is another bonus before the grounds become frigid from frost. It just maybe your last family game of the season.
4. Flowers
While a steaming juicy turkey is alluring, the bright and cheerful presence of a floral centerpiece has our attention. The colors of fall come alive with sunflowers, roses, along with season-appropriate fillers like wheat and coffee berries. They will keep the tablescape designed even when the dishes are cleared. 
Bonus:
Black Friday is relatively new tradition to the holiday and is now as anticipated as holiday lights and music. Wake up early, or start late Thanksgiving night, to find deals on the gifts you have in mind for everyone your list. Black Friday shopping is fun, simple and relieves the stress of holiday shopping.
