Beyond the Tofurkey: Non-Traditional Traditions

 By Kim Tillinghast, Vice President

During the most highly traveled weekend of the calendar year, it’s no surprise that many consumers prefer to avoid two-lane highways and TSA officials. But whether they stay or go, one thing is for certain: while classic American traditions certainly exist, new traditions abound. Foodies may forgo turkey, dressing and tryptophan-induced naps for multi-cultural flavors and pairings, and consumers with abundant frequent flier miles may instead venture over the ocean and to the cabana.

The Wednesday before Thanksgiving marked 2010’s single busiest travel day. The national Airline Quality Rating indicates that while performance quality has steadily improved since 2007, the holiday season is never exempt. Fewer seats, additional passengers and inclement weather (hello, O’Hare!) will continue to elevate costs and stress. But for those with no choice but to fly, selecting a best-performing airline such as Jet Blue, Air Tran or Southwest can increase chances of a smooth experience.

Perhaps it’s all in the destination: a flight to paradise may feel less strenuous, by nature, than a trip to visit in-laws. For some, such distance makes the heart grow fonder, and an annual trip to Hawaii or the Bahamas becomes a Turkey Day tradition. After all, nothing says “I’m thankful” like an umbrella drink and a stretch of white sand.

Others living hundreds of miles from loved ones may not have the luxury of traveling home for Thanksgiving, so non-nuclear families of friends, roommates and neighbors gather to eat and give thanks. During my years in Los Angeles, many of us found ourselves stymied by pricey holiday plane tickets and, therefore, Thanksgiving was spent – quite happily – with likeminded locals.

No matter where November 24 finds you – in front of the TV with a slice of pie, perhaps? – in the true spirit of Thanksgiving we should all make a point to give back. Countless opportunities await our attention: donating clothes, toys, food and/or blood, participating in a Habitat for Humanity project, serving food at a local shelter, or even helping a neighbor with much-needed childcare, errands or a home-cooked meal. For to whom much is given, much is required, and we have much for which to be thankful.