As I was growing up, I recall that my Grandfather was always responsible for the cranberry sauce. Some folks make the preparation of the traditional turkey an almost religious ritual, rising in the deep, dark hours of early morning to begin preparations, and bowing reverently before the oven and its bird. A small minority that just has to be different go for ham instead of turkey, and some have both. My wife Sharon's family tradition includes perhaps the most sumptuous feast that I have ever attended, prepared by her Aunt Helen and Uncle Ben. One other tradition that is associated with Thanksgiving Day at Ben and Helen's house is that everyone and anyone who happens to be there is automatically family, and anyone who shows up at the door is automatically invited.
Many people have traditions of sharing at the table the things that they are thankful for.
One cute idea I heard of recently was having everyone write down on a little slip of paper something that they are thankful for. Like it or not, many folks are more thankful for the gravy than for the grace of God that allows them to enjoy it. Like most Americans, we thrive on tradition in the Case household. Every year, the Lord brings us a guest list of folks that are alone, to fill our Thanksgiving Day table. They might be single, or married, or young, or old, or rich, or poor.