Thanksgiving has always been a mix of family, food, and a little bit of chaos, but the way we celebrate has shifted quite a bit over the years. Whether you grew up in the era of shag carpeting, wood paneling, or disposable cameras, each decade brought its own flavor to the holiday. Here is a fun look back at how Thanksgiving has evolved while somehow staying exactly the same.
The Nineteen Fifties
Thanksgiving in the fifties felt picture perfect. Turkeys were roasted in gleaming new ovens, pies were homemade, and the table was usually set with the good china. Green bean casserole made its debut and quickly became the star of the side dish lineup. Families gathered around enormous floor radios after dinner and everyone pretended not to be sleepy.
- 1 whole turkey
- 4 tablespoons softened butter
- Salt and pepper
- 1 onion, quartered
- Fresh parsley and thyme
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
- Rub turkey with butter, salt, and pepper.
- Place onion and herbs in the cavity.
- Roast 3 to 4 hours until internal temperature reaches 165.
- Let rest before carving.
The Nineteen Sixties
The sixties introduced a little more color to the plate. Jell O molds appeared in every shape imaginable and often included ingredients that made people raise an eyebrow even back then. Cranberry sauce from the can began to steal the show because it sliced so neatly and made everyone feel oddly accomplished.
- 1 package lime flavored gelatin
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 cup cold water
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- Half cup crushed pineapple, drained
- Quarter cup chopped celery
- Dissolve gelatin in hot water.
- Stir in cold water and let cool slightly.
- Mix in cottage cheese, pineapple, and celery.
- Pour into a small mold or dish.
- Chill for several hours until firm and retro ready.
The Nineteen Seventies
Thanksgiving in the seventies was cozy and filled with earth tones. Stuffing recipes took on new life, from chestnut blends to sausage versions that are still popular today. Many families watched football in their living rooms that were decorated in avocado and mustard. The kids were usually in charge of shaking the can of whipped cream like it was a musical instrument.
- 2 cans green beans, drained
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup crispy fried onions
- Salt and pepper
- Mix green beans with soup in a baking dish.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle fried onions on top.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.
The Nineteen Eighties
Microwaves entered the Thanksgiving chat and suddenly reheating leftovers became a competitive sport. This was also the rise of the appetizer tray. Cheese cubes, crackers, and summer sausage often filled everyone up before the turkey ever hit the table. Families camped out in front of the television for holiday specials and everyone argued about who got the drumstick.
- 1 box stuffing mix
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Bring water and butter to a boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in stuffing mix.
- Cover and let sit for five minutes.
- Fluff with a fork.
The Nineteen Nineties
By the nineties, Thanksgiving photos started showing up in little paper envelopes from the drugstore. Spiral hams became more common, and many families added a second dessert to the lineup because one pie simply was not enough anymore. Kids sat on the carpet playing board games while adults chatted at the kitchen table, occasionally sneaking bites from the leftover tray.
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Half cup milk
- Salt and pepper
- Boil potatoes until soft.
- Drain and mash with butter and milk.
- Season with salt and pepper.
Today
Menus might include a few healthier options or new twists on old classics, but the heart of the holiday has stayed the same. Families gather, stories are told, and someone always burns at least one roll. Thanksgiving has grown with us, but it still brings the familiar comfort of good food and people we love.
- 1 pie crust
- 1 can pumpkin puree
- 1 can evaporated milk
- 2 eggs
- Cinnamon and nutmeg
- Whisk pumpkin, milk, eggs, and spices.
- Pour filling into crust.
- Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes.
- Reduce heat to 350 and bake 40 minutes more.
- Cool before slicing.
No matter which decade shaped your favorite Thanksgiving memories, the holiday continues to be a warm reminder of how traditions evolve while still feeling wonderfully familiar.
