Thanksgiving is one of my favorite days of the year! It involves so many things that I love: Football, Family, and Food. This year I’m hosting my biggest Thanksgiving gathering to date. My aunts and cousins will be joining us in New Orleans to celebrate the holiday. We are honoring my late grandmother with this meal by cooking her famous spread. I’ve always wanted to be the matriarch of my generation and there’s so much joy bubbling as we plan for the special day!

Here are some of the things the Davis Family Thanksgiving is not complete without:

Football

My husband, Demario, has worked on Thanksgiving for the past eleven years. As a football player for the New Orleans Saints, he either plays in a game or practices at a facility. Because of this, we always plan our Thanksgiving around football! We either watch Demario play or watch whatever game is on if he is not playing. Watching football on Thanksgiving Day is a tradition many families enjoy, and the Davis family is no exception!

Family

Where there is family, there is fun! Demario, our five children, and I love celebrating the holiday together, but our family extends even further beyond that. They say it takes a village, and our village is big and beautiful! Our friends, teammates, and neighbors have all become a huge part of our village. We love to wear matching or coordinating outfits on the holiday. Some of our other fun traditions include a game night on Thanksgiving Eve and a talent show on the big day.

Food

Of course, Thanksgiving would not be complete without delicious food! As someone who loves cooking (and eating), Thanksgiving is a great opportunity to make some of my favorite dishes. This year, my aunts and I are all planning on working together to create our late Grandmother’s spread. Our spread includes fried chicken, dressing, and collard greens. Some of our favorite desserts include my special banana pudding and my kids’ favorite: sweet potato casserole. Joining the family around the table to eat a delicious meal – what could be better than that?

Faith

Thanksgiving is also an important time for reflection and faith. Take a moment this holiday to think about all of the things you are thankful for. Taking the time to practice gratitude helps you focus on the wonderful things you have, instead of focusing on the things you don’t. I am grateful for my beautiful children and loving husband. I am grateful to the Lord for sharing His infinite wisdom and guidance with me. I am grateful that He continues to work through me and I am thankful for everything God has given me.

Fun Crafts, Gratitude Chain

Gratitude is a practice I want to bestow upon my children. This year we will be creating a gratitude chain – a fun DIY craft to help them reflect on the things they are grateful for. Making the gratitude chain is very simple. All you need to do is cut strips of construction paper, have the kids write what they are thankful for on the strips, and connect them like a chain. I love simple activities like this that are easy, not messy, and teach my children important life lessons.

Happy Holidays!

From,

The Davises