The seasonal holidays embody many traditions that stem from diverse places – historical customs, family customs, and cultural customs are just a few of the influences. From the famous dinner in 1621 to the traditional football games of today, there are many ways we celebrate the holiday. No matter the history behind the way you celebrate Thanksgiving Day in your home, Boyd’s Flowers has beautiful floral designs and arrangements to accent your holiday decor.

Thanksgiving Day– the first dinner, which was a celebration attended by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Indians, took place in 1621. Although celebrated in various forms down through the years, Thanksgiving was not officially made a holiday until 1863, signed into existence by Abraham Lincoln.

Thanksgiving Turkey – the Pilgrims and Indians most likely did not eat turkey at their meal – historians tell us that waterfowl, venison, fish, lobster, clams, berries, fruit, pumpkin, and squash were likely served. However, given that the colonists did hunt wild turkey, and that it is a uniquely American (and delicious) bird, turkey became the meal of choice. Alexander Hamilton once remarked “No citizen of the U.S. shall refrain from turkey on Thanksgiving Day.”

Thanksgiving Football – Every year since 1934, the Detroit Lions have taken the field for a Thanksgiving game. It began because the struggling franchise needed fans, and so the game was a marketing gimmick that paid off big. In the 1960’s, the Dallas Cowboys took the opportunity to become the second team that was guaranteed a Thanksgiving Day game, and in 2006, the NFL decided two games was not enough, and added a third evening game. This game, however, is not assigned to a specific franchise.

Preparing for Friday – Black Friday is becoming as much of a family tradition as anything else, and with the Cristiana and Concord Mall sales, eating your Thanksgiving meal is a way to fuel up for the big shopping day.

The most enduring Thanksgiving traditions have to do with gathering with family and friends, no matter the food served or the game on TV.  Perhaps you are having people over and wish to decorate your home; or maybe you are going to be a guest n the Wilmington area and wish to bring a Thanksgiving hostess gift – start with the floral designs from Boyd’s Flowers.