I have a special place in my heart for holidays as well as for traditions, and when the two come together I become this little ball of excitement. My family has a number of traditions around the holidays, and Thanksgiving is no exception. These are my favorite Thanksgiving traditions. I like to think some are more unique to my family, and maybe they could become new to yours.

1. The Thankful Basket

Ever since I was young I can remember having a thankful basket. It was one of my favorite things as a child, and is still one to this day. Whenever the thankful basket was out I knew we were in for some family time, smiles, and full bellies. The thankful basket is a small basket we decorated with fall colors. Each year we would cut up paper into strips and set them beside the basket with pens.

Any time you walked by or thought of something you were thankful for you would right it down and put it in the basket. Anyone who visits the house while it is out is welcome to contribute. On thanksgiving day we empty the basket and read out all the things that people are thankful for. It is amazing to see the variety of things we are thankful for.

2. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade With Breakfast

I LOVE the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. I remember watching it when I was young, and can only remember missing one year, because I was marching in a parade. My grandparents would come down each year to watch the parade with us, and eat breakfast. This year we finally get to be at their house!

3. The Dog Show

One cannot simply watch the parade and not watch the dog show after! I love watching the little pups run around. This is one of the best ways to spend Thanksgiving morning.

4. Lunch And Dinner

I know everyone does lunch and dinner on Thanksgiving, but with my family its a little more like 4 of each. I cannot count the number of meals I eat on Thanksgiving, but you can bet there is always room for some homemade pecan pie.

5. Turkey

Turkey is like the thing to eat on Thankgiving, but I dont think anyone will ever understand my love for turkey. I eat it constantly on Thankgiving. Turkey bacon in the morning, then turkey everything the rest of the day.

6. Cranberry Sauce

Who doesnt love some cranberry sauce? I don't quite know how they made some canned gelatin taste so good, but Thanksgiving just isn't the same without it.

7. Sweet Potato Casserole

My aunt always makes this, and let me tell you, it is so good. Sweet potato topped with nuts or marshmallows. Sometimes we get both because who can't decide!

8. Homemade Pecan Pie

Here it is, homemade pecan pie. Honestly I cannot eat any other kind of pecan pie now. It is in no way the same. It is like a little touch of southern heaven with just the right amount of love. Who can say no to that?

9. Looking Through Newspapers For All The Good Deals

I remember being small, and loving Thanksgiving because it meant a sleepover with my cousins while our parents went shopping. After dinner was over, the table would be covered in newspapers and magazines as our parents would sift through. They were very strategic. They found the deals they needed, and mapped out what stores to go to first. Well now its my turn to sift through. I now go through newspapers, and magazines with my family then my dad takes up shopping.

10. Black Friday Shopping

Black friday shopping is not as crazy as I thought when I was young. Now I love going every year with my dad. We go home for a little bit, maybe get some rest. We go get some coffee and head out. It is usually relaxed and loads of fun. We also tend to get coffee a few times during the night.

11. Putting Up The Christmas Tree

The weekend after Thanksgiving we put up the Christmas tree. I love it because we were able to celebrate Thanksgiving on its own, but are so ready for Christmas. It is so much fun to look at old ornaments, and remember every time we gather to decorate the tree. There is usually some hot chocolate or eggnog involved.