We have our traditions for Thanksgiving in our family:

We have to speak our thankfulness around the table before the pigout begins.

We have to make nice with Uncle Norm.

The latest teenager (I believe Aiden qualifies this year) has to cease his/her sullen attitude for the nonce.

The Matriarch (my sister-in-law) has to produce the perfect turkey, stuffing, gravy and satellite dishes without breaking into a sweat.

The most senior man has to hitch up his trousers and carve the fowl with perfect strokes of the electric knife.

Everyone has to say how great the dry old bird was.

Belts are unbuckled, waistbands loosened.

Football is watched, an unvarying ritual. [thanks, Batty]

And then the tryptophan-induced nap, complete with snores.

It's almost as much fun as Christmas!