Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate and be grateful for what makes us who we are. It’s when we bring our families and cultures together to share in the traditions that set us apart and the values that unite us. So, we asked you to share your Thanksgiving traditions with us, and your answers didn’t disappoint.
From celebrating with friends for ‘Friendsgiving’ to helping families in need, your stories were personal to you and your loved ones.
Assistant Store Manager Rebecca Bogle, #649, Jacksonville, Florida
“Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Several years ago, I began creating tablescapes for my family! I keep my vision a secret until Thanksgiving morning. My husband and daughter wait with anticipation of what I will design each year. Being an assistant store manager, I pay close attention to our floral deliveries and the accessories we receive to find just the right items to incorporate into my design.”
Pharmacy Manager Coral Medina, #54, Miami, Florida
“On Thanksgiving, my family gets together for dinner. We make a turkey dinner with a Latin twist and make the year’s first batch of coquito. The first toast of our Thanksgiving dinner is led by the men in our family with the holiday drink in hand. This is our way of both marking the beginning of the holiday season and an opportunity for us to share what we are grateful for.”
Community Relations Support Associate Kelsey Humphrey, Lakeland, Florida
“We celebrate Thanksgiving every year by having ‘Friendsgiving’ with our closest friends!”
Store Manager Kyle Russell, #1405, Boynton Beach, Florida
“Our way of giving thanks for what we have is giving to those in need. Each year, my family and I host 1 or 2 lesser privileged families at our home. My wife and I have 3 children, and the families we celebrate with often also have children, making for a picnic-style Thanksgiving filled with fun and laughter! We started this tradition 5 years ago and couldn’t imagine spending our Thanksgiving any other way.”
Facilities Inventory Control Analyst Tiffany Wyatt and Assistant Department Head Jacob Wyatt, Lakeland, Florida
“We celebrate Thanksgiving in South Georgia. Before arriving, we shop for dinner ingredients at our closest Publix in Albany, Georgia. We don’t have a stove, so the Publix-brand sweet potato pie and pumpkin pie come in handy. We deep-fry turkey nuggets in peanut oil. We make jalapeno duck poppers, collard greens, potato salad, zipper peas and finish with our favorite — Publix sweet tea! When our meal is done, we spend time as a family hunting and being thankful for the land, food and our careers at Publix.”
Due Diligence Specialist Catie Atkins, Lakeland, Florida
“My family’s Thanksgiving tradition is making sauerkraut balls. My dad used to make them at Thanksgiving and passed down the recipe to me, and now my daughter and I make them together. Sauerkraut balls are my 7-year-old’s favorite part of our Thanksgiving meal, besides the dinner rolls (as most parents can relate).”
