Traditions: Turkey and Pigskin

Is the food over yet? Because, folks, I’m muffin-topping.

Even though food is my full-time passion and vocation, even I get tired of it sometimes. Although I love the celebrations of Thanksgiving, sometimes even I need a break from the cooking.

Luckily, I’ve got the Blue Devils and Tar(holes) matchup to watch today to take my mind off of the shopping and planning of meals. In my family, football is as much a part of Thanksgiving as the turkey and stuffing! With the Blue Devils at a 9–2 record this season, things are looking quite positive for the Coastal Division leaders. Today’s game, which starts in about…ooooh…T minus 45 minutes, is a great way to relax and enjoy spectating without interrupting my family time.

The fact is, Thanksgiving Day football has all but faded away as a traditional pastime, except in Detroit and Dallas where the annual pigskin parade is a welcome interruption to the holiday fever. Many high school districts have phased out the Thanksgiving Day football games, where now only the teams who have not progressed are consoled by their last chance to play this season. For some seniors, it may be the last time they step onto a football field.

It makes the teams feel special, being able to play on a holiday where they won’t be competing against other sports events for spectators. Having a game on a holiday usually means the family is free to attend, and afterwards they get to return home to enjoy dinner together and give thanks. But with extravagant dinners, travelling, and the business of life, it seems that a holiday game is too much trouble for most folks and the tradition is steadily fading away.

But you don’t need to let that stop you. If there wasn’t a Thanksgiving a game in your neck of the woods, I highly suggest you get outside and toss the ball around with your family or friends. Not only will you get to experience the joy of the game, but getting outside and enjoying fresh air and some physical activity will help to counteract that leftover pumpkin pie guaranteed to make it’s way onto your plate. I know after watching my Blue Devils pick up yet another win, I will be inspired to get outside and toss around a ball.

Remember that the point of the game is to have fun, so feel free to make up rules as you go along, or steal a few strategic plays from my favorite “Friends” Thanksgiving episode.

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Embrace your loved ones and the game of football.[/caption]

Enjoy the tradition, which, in its essence, is about spending time with those that you love. And what better way to embrace tradition than preventing your family and friends from scoring a touchdown?