The upcoming holiday is one that is steeped in Thanksgiving traditions. From the first Thanksgiving meal in 1621 to your family dinner, there are many customs that we hold dear. This year, whether you are hosting the dinner for your family and friends, or are headed to someone else’s home – the decor that you need for a festive celebration is designed at Al’s Florist.

The first Thanksgiving meal took place between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Indians at Plymouth Colony. On the menu was waterfowl, venison, fish, lobster, clams, berries, fruit, pumpkin, and squash – but no turkey is recorded. The celebration was meant to be a one-time event, but through the years, the spirit of giving thanks for an abundant harvest never went away. In 1863, Abraham Lincoln made the holiday official on the American calendar.

The festivities still center around a delicious and ample meal, although other Thanksgiving traditions have become established in our routines. The entire country tunes in for the Macy’s Parade (which began in 1924) and for the traditional football games.

Did You Know?

In 1934 a struggling young franchise, the Detroit Lions, decided to play a game on Thanksgiving Day in a ploy to gain fans. It was a rousing success and the stadium sold out. In 1966, the Dallas Cowboys didn’t need the notoriety, but their marketing department decided it would be a good decision to follow the Lion’s earlier lead. To this day, the Lions and the Cowboys always play on Thanksgiving Day, and in 2006 the NFL added a third game, but the teams rotate.

Thanksgiving traditions can be as meaningful as our American history, or as individual as the annual family touch football game in the backyard. No matter how you celebrate, make sure the day is bright and festive with Thanksgiving floral designs from Al’s Florist. Whether you’ll be meeting with family and friends here in Hollywood, or if you’ll be traveling to Westin, Plantation, Davie, Pembroke Pines, and Ft. Lauderdale – don’t forget the Thanksgiving bouquet.