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9 Thanksgiving Traditions We Wish Would Come Back

What ever happened to the kids table?

By Brie Dyas
Traditional Thanksgiving Table
Getty Images

As times change, so have the ways we've celebrated holidays. For instance, being on your phone while at the dinner table was unthinkable years ago, but now smartphones are as common as turkey motifs at Thanksgiving. We're taking a look back at other things that have changed in recent years.

1

Actual Centerpieces

Food, Cuisine, Meal, Ingredient, Tableware, Serveware, Dish, Dishware, Produce, Recipe,

Yes, the turkey is the main event, but it was always nice to have something a little nicer to look at than meat. Want to bring back this tradition? Here are 20 gorgeous Thanksgiving centerpieces to complete your table. 

2

Splitting the Wishbone

Ear, Smile, Mouth, Hairstyle, Hand, Happy, Facial expression, Style, Jewellery, Eyelash,
Debrocke/ClassicStock

Some of us might not have enjoyed grasping the vaguely damp wishbone, but it was fun making the wish at least.

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3

The Post-Turkey Walk

Branch, Trousers, Tree, Photograph, Jacket, Standing, Mammal, Winter, Monochrome, Monochrome photography,
Lambert

Whether it was a walk around the block or, apparently, a nearby trail, the evening walk was a much better way to let everything digest.

4

The Kids Table

Tableware, Table, Child, Plate, Drinkware, Toddler, Dishware, Comfort food, Baby, Lunch,
Evans

It was a space where you could be a kid and be a little bit messier than you would at the adults table. (You parents, miraculously, never noticed.) 

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5

The Nice Silverware

Serveware, Stemware, Dishware, Glass, Drinkware, Wine glass, Barware, Tableware, Drink, Table,

Though it wasn't fun to have to polish all those forks, knives, and spoons, it was always nice to use the "fancy" silverware. (And also the good china and nice glassware.)

6

Place Cards

Lighting, Tableware, Candle, Serveware, Dishware, Plate, Dish, Cuisine, Barware, Sweetness,
Foodcollection

While we're on the topic of silverware and china, we'd love to see place cards make a comeback. It wasn't really to identify who was sitting where, but more about having an excuse to add a little fun decorative touch to the table that also made the meal feel so much more special.

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7

When Shops Stayed Closed on Thanksgiving

Ceiling, Commercial building, Retail, Lobby, Shopping mall, Column, Flowerpot, Tile,
Florida Memory via Flickr Commons

Black Friday is no longer just on Friday — it often starts on Thanksgiving night. Or Thanksgiving afternoon. Soon, Thanksgiving will be like any other Thursday. 

Flickr photo via Florida Memory

8

A Simpler Menu

Tablecloth, Textile, Table, Furniture, Cuisine, Tableware, Sitting, Sharing, Linens, Dishware,
H. Armstrong Roberts/ClassicStock

It's always fun to try new things, but it lately feels like Thanksgiving dishes are getting a bit ... too far ... from the expected. We appreciate the clever new takes on mashed potatoes (Sriracha! Kale mixed-in!), but some dishes are classics for a reason.

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9

Saying What We're Thankful For

Event, Social group, Tablecloth, Table, Interior design, Ceiling, Tableware, Party, Sharing, Dishware,
John Eder

No matter what, it is always nice to reflect on the things for which we're grateful. Actually, who says this tradition should be reappear just for holidays? A little reflection goes a long way. 

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