BINGO! Make lasting memories with Thanksgiving traditions!

Nov 26th, 2024 | Hire Wire

Do Traditions Really Matter?

I believe they do.

Every year, I host Thanksgiving for my family, and it’s a tradition I cherish deeply. Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday—no frantic rush for holiday cards, no pressure of gift-giving, just lots of food, family, and, of course, football! But back in 2004, I decided to add a little extra spark to our gathering by introducing Turkey Bingo.

It started with an old-fashioned bingo kit, complete with beans as markers. I wrapped up unused gifts from past holidays—some useful, some not (yes, pencils made an appearance). The rules were simple: wina game, pick a bag, and when all the prizes were claimed, you’d open your gift to find a surprise, whether delightful or laughably disappointing.

Initially, it was mostly for the women and the younger kids. But over the years, Turkey Bingo quickly grew into something far more meaningful. There were a few bumps along the way—like the year my mother-in-law unwrapped a pair of socks she had gifted me the year before for Christmas, oops! After that, I upgraded the prizes to include gift cards, candles, and candy.

One year, I thought the kids were outgrowing the tradition, so I decided to skip bingo altogether. 

Big mistake. 

One niece, who had been looking forward to Turkey Bingo all year, dramatically declared, “THIS IS THE WORST THANKSGIVING EVER!”  Trust me the whole house heard it!  

Then I realized just how much this quirky game had come to mean to everyone.

Now, nearly 20 years later, Turkey Bingo is a beloved staple of our Thanksgiving celebration. Every family member, young and old, joins in, eagerly vying for what we lovingly call “glorious prizes.” It’s not just about the gifts—it’s the memories we make. The joyful banter, the laughs over silly prizes, the playful rivalry over winning, and the warmth of everyone gathered together.

Around 6:30 every Thanksgiving evening, the dining room fills with laughter and excitement as numbers are called and prizes are claimed. Even my nieces, now grown, tell me they’ve started hosting bingo games with their friends, carrying forward the tradition in their own way.

So yes, traditions do matter—not for what you win, but for the joy, the connection, and the memories they create. In a world where screens often dominate, these moments remind us of what truly matters: time spent together, the laughter we share, and the stories that will be retold for years to come.

Keep those traditions alive. You’ll create memories and leave a legacy of joy for generations to come.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family and don't forget to call out B4!