Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and that brings up stress around where you’re going, what you’re eating, and what to do if you won’t be traveling to see family this year. This year, we’ll likely see non-traditional Thanksgiving dinners because of decreased travel and a shortage of Turkeys. The USDA says the supply of frozen turkeys is 24% below their three-year average volumes, and turkey production is down compared to the average year. But change doesn’t always have to be melancholy! Keep reading for ways to spice up this holiday and make it a good celebration (even if it’s just a takeout Friendsgiving).
Non-traditional dinner ideas
So, you may not be able to eat turkey this year because of the high demand and low supply, but here are some fun, non-traditional Thanksgiving dinner ideas! They’ll amp up your night and leave your social media followers jealous of your creativity.
- Nacho Table- TikTok’s nacho table looks like so much fun. You place a large piece of foil to cover the whole dinner table and dump chips, beans, guacamole, salsa, jalapeños, meat, and whatever other toppings you want, mix it up, and invite your friends over for a fun night.
- BBQ- The Fourth of July isn’t the only time to have a BBQ, though this weather is a bit colder. Bring out those ribs, skewers, hot dogs, and hamburgers, and then get back inside for some games.
- Make-Your-Own-Pizza Night- Buy some pre-made dough, or make it a fun activity and make your own dough. You could make personal or family-sized pizzas, and load them up with whatever toppings you want. Go crazy; it’s Thanksgiving!
- Themed Dinner- Think of your favorite movie ever, and remake all the yummy food you’ve always wanted to try. This includes dessert, too!
- Chicken and Waffle Bar- What better time to feast on this iconic duo than Thanksgiving? Heck, you could replace the chicken with fried turkey if you’re one of the lucky ones to cop a turkey this year.
Friendsgiving
For Millennials and Gen Z, maybe spending time with family isn’t an option due to personal differences or living far away. So, spending time with friends—aka Friendsgiving—may be the new normal. If your family wants to be traditional and keep the turkey, or if you won’t be traveling this year, try out some of those non-traditional dinner ideas with your friends. I’m sure you’d love something other than two traditional Thanksgiving dinners, and your social media feeds won’t be basic. You can make Thanksgiving fun, or as former Bachelor host Chris Harrison says, “never seen before.” You could also have Friendsgiving dinners with your neighbors, extra-curricular activity groups, or anybody, really. Why does Thanksgiving have to be one dinner? Turn it into three different dinners with people who make your life happy.
Will you be participating in a non-traditional Thanksgiving this year? Let us know in the comments down below!
