Nov. 20, 2025 | Wait, what was that? Did you just hear a rumbling sound? Don’t worry, that’s just your stomach getting ready for Thanksgiving, which is this Thursday, just in case you’ve forgotten. Approximately 46 million turkeys are eaten in American households each Thanksgiving, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That number represents 21 percent of the 216.5 million turkeys produced in the United States every year. Turkey is the favorite dish for 83 percent of Americans, with 74 percent of them planning on serving an entire bird. Mashed potatoes are the second most popular Thanksgiving dish, with 78 percent of Americans enjoying them. A survey of more than 2,000 Americans who celebrate Turkey Day found that in addition to family get-togethers, 42 percent plan on hosting or attending a “Friendsgiving” celebration, which is an increasingly popular tradition for Gen Z and millennials.

Nov. 20, 2025 | A growing trend among Americans during the Thanksgiving holiday is opting for takeout or delivery for the holiday, with many choosing to dine in person at a restaurant. The reason many choose to eat in a restaurant has to do with convenience and avoiding the hassle of cooking and cleaning up afterward. Many people see eating out as more cost-effective than purchasing the ingredients for a homemade meal. If you plan to order food or go out to eat on Thanksgiving, here are some tips for a smooth holiday experience. Be sure to research menu options on the restaurant’s menu. To avoid third-party fees and secure preferred pickup times, order directly from the restaurant’s website. Make your reservations early as popular eateries fill up quickly. Use reservation sites like OpenTable to stay informed. And factor in potential delays even with specific pickup windows and reservations.

Nov. 20, 2025 | If you are one of the millions of Americans who purchased a frozen turkey to serve with all the trimmings tomorrow during Thanksgiving, you might want to consider starting a new holiday tradition. Many Americans thaw frozen turkeys or other meats on the kitchen counter or under hot water in the kitchen sink. To prevent the spread of harmful bacteria, frozen meats and poultry should be thawed in a refrigerator set at or below 40° Fahrenheit. If pressed for time, you can thaw a wrapped frozen turkey in a sink filled with cold tap water but make sure to change the water every 30 minutes. Depending on the size of the turkey, it may be defrosted in the microwave but check the owner’s manual for your machine and be prepared to cook it right after thawing. A frozen turkey also can be cooked in the oven to its safe, minimum internal temperature of 165° Fahrenheit, but it will take longer to cook than if it is thawed first.

Nov. 20, 2025 | It’s Thanksgiving. Each holiday season comes with high expectations for a cozy and festive time of year. However, for many this time of year is tinged with sadness, anxiety or depression. Research suggests that one aspect of the Thanksgiving season can actually lift the spirits, and it’s built right into the holiday, being grateful. The word gratitude is derived from the Latin word gratia, which means grace, graciousness, or gratefulness. In some ways, gratitude encompasses all of these meanings. With gratitude, people acknowledge the goodness in their lives. In the process, people usually recognize that the source of that goodness lies at least partially outside themselves. Gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity and build strong relationships.

Nov. 20, 2025 | Nothing tastes better the day after Thanksgiving than leftover turkey with all the trimmings. But be aware, turkey and stuffing are only good for three or four days when stored in the refrigerator as leftovers. And, while reheating is a great option, for safety’s sake, make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165° Fahrenheit. If you don’t feel like eating the same meal all over again, try reinventing your Thanksgiving feast. Make a hearty harvest stew, using leftover gravy as the base. Throw in leftover veggies and turkey and thicken with mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes. Wrap sliced turkey, cranberry sauce and shredded greens in whole-wheat tortillas and add toasted pecans if you have some. Blend some cranberries with frozen yogurt and orange juice for a smoothie or toss cubed turkey, celery, apples and light mayo with shredded baby spinach for a crunchy and healthy salad.