Traditions give Thanksgiving its charm, but they don’t have to stay frozen in time. Keep what matters most, and let go of what feels like a chore. The day should fit your family, not a rulebook.

New customs can be simple sharing a highlight from the past year, taking a walk before dinner, or calling family who live far away. Some families even volunteer together, making the holiday about giving as much as gathering.

Old traditions keep us grounded, while new ones keep the holiday personal. Blending both makes Thanksgiving feel timeless but also truly your own.