We asked artists and public figures what the holiday looks like for them, from favorite dishes to unforgettable moments with family and friends.
Thanksgiving is one of those rare days that feels like a universal group chat pause, a moment when the noise dips, the food shows out, and we’re reminded who, and what, fills our cup.
Whether you’re posted up at home, catching a flight between shows, or squeezing in a little rest before the year’s final sprint, the holiday has a way of pulling us back to what matters: family, chosen family, tradition, and the memories we carry forward.
So for this year’s Fandom Daily Thanksgiving, we checked in with a mix of artists and public figures to hear what the day looks like in their world right now, the dishes they’ll defend forever, the traditions they never skip, the moments that still sparkle, and the dream guests they’d invite if time and space weren’t a thing.
From cozy kitchen chaos and parade mornings to on-the-road Thanksgivings and family recipes passed down for generations, their answers are honest, funny, and full of heart.
“These days, Thanksgiving feels like a reset. It’s a time to appreciate the journey, celebrate the wins, and honor the struggles that made me stronger,” CARA shares. For her, the holiday is rooted in closeness and grounding: “Spending it with my family, including my two dogs East and Hazel, grounds me in a way nothing else does… Thanksgiving is about gratitude and staying connected to the people (and pets) who truly matter.”
Anne-Marie’s day starts with a tradition she loves: “I love making a cornucopia of fresh fruits and vegetables to decorate the table.” One of her favorite memories turned into a full-on event: “We had four families gather… did a cooking contest… guests received a ballot to vote for their favorite turkey, side dish, bread, dessert, and table decoration.” And her favorite bite is classic comfort: “I love apple pie with a cinnamon sugar crumble on top. The best part is eating the leftovers for breakfast the next day!”
“A typical Thanksgiving for me looks like eating some good food with friends and family… definitely some mac and cheese… and football will also be watched,” Matt says. His favorite dish is non-negotiable: “My favorite dish at Thanksgiving has got to be mac and cheese… with some breadcrumbs on top.” And his dream guest list mixes faith, heart, and fandom: “I’d invite Jesus, my mom, and Ed Sheeran… my mom because I miss her… and Ed, because he’d probably bring a cool dish.”
“A typical Thanksgiving for me is me and my family getting together for lunch… then gathering up all the pumpkins and having a little target practice, lol,” Lakelin laughs. Her favorite dish is pure nostalgia: “My mamaw’s apple pie… cinnamon oat topping… ‘chef’s kiss’!” If she could invite anyone, she’s keeping it legendary: “Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, and Reba McEntire. No explanation needed!”
For Joe Hanson, the ultimate table is stacked with icons and love: “Jesus Christ, my wife and Eddie Murphy… Jesus… I’d have so many questions… Eddie Murphy because I think he’s hilarious.” Chris Ray keeps the day grounded in family: “A typical Thanksgiving is we have a ton of food, family all around, and watching some football is always a tradition.” And Joe’s most vivid memory is a sweet one: “My siblings and I would always scrape the melted marshmallows off the sweet potato casserole… a race to see who got the marshmallows first.”
“A typical Thanksgiving for me looks like a big family gathering of about 20 people at my family’s farm,” Spencer says, adding, “We eat at 1 p.m. and spend the day together.” The meaning is deeper than the menu: “A day dedicated to recognizing all of the many blessings we have in our life.” After dinner, the tradition keeps moving: “In the evening we pack our bags and head back for the mountains to deer hunt.”
“One of my favorite Thanksgiving memories is… traveling from Georgia to Indiana… it felt like a movie,” Erin recalls, with “great food, shared stories, [and] football in the yard.” A signature family dish anchors the holiday: “Every Thanksgiving my dad makes the most incredible fried turkey… injects the turkey with hot sauce and then covers it in cajun seasoning.” This year, gratitude ties straight to her art: “I’m especially thankful for the music I released in 2025… and for my family and their incredible support.”
“Thanksgiving for me actually feels really sweet and cozy… everyone in the kitchen doing their part, music going… laughing, a little chaos,” Ashley says, calling it “grounding and refreshing.” The holiday’s meaning has grown over time: “Now… I see it as a reset… God has carried me through things I didn’t realize I’d get through.” And her favorite dish is forever: “If I've said it once, I’ve said it 1000 times… Sweet potato casserole!!!”
Cyndi’s dream guest list is iconic and personal: “Jesus, Julia Roberts, and my great-great-grandfather… Jesus because… you don’t pass up that RSVP.” Trying to pick one favorite dish? Not happening: “Asking me to pick a favorite Thanksgiving food is basically asking me to choose between emotional support dishes… I have a rotation.” Her favorite tradition is simple and cozy: “Cooking together while the Thanksgiving Day Parade plays… early dinner… sometimes we even end up singing around the piano.”
“Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday,” Ashland says, loving the way her family “relax[es], eat[s], laugh[s], reflect[s] and ‘debrief[s]’ on the year.” Her family’s food scene is classic Carolinas with one funny twist: “A lot of my family chooses ham over turkey?… [and] an entire extra dish of deviled eggs just for their brother.” Last year’s memory was pure joy: “We each were assigned a family member to ‘paint a portrait’… I can’t remember the last time we laughed as hard as we did.”
“The past few years we’ve gone to my aunt's house back in Kentucky,” Tyra says, promising “really good country cooking and time surrounded by family.” Her favorite tradition is competitive in the best way: “Definitely playing card games… one called Rook. If you know, you know!” And one memory stays close: “Watching my mamaw cook… when she was still with us… it’s important to really appreciate any time you get with family.”
“Thanksgiving for me usually looks like watching the Macy’s parade with my son… at my mom and dad’s house,” Jenny shares, adding that they do “a huge gluten-free feast.” The holiday has grown into a teaching moment: “Now that I have my own child, [I] want to instill those values in him.” And her favorite dish is timeless: “My mom’s stuffing with gravy… she adds cranberries… the sweet and savory mixture is perfection.”
Dillon’s Thanksgiving is straight to the point: “Lots of family, laughing, music, and of course food!” The dish that defines the day is crystal clear: “CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS… because they are so good!” And what he’s grateful for this year is the core circle: “My wife, yorkies, fans, friends and family.”
“My mom makes the most delicious homemade thanksgiving meal,” Faith says — and her favorite is locked: “Her sweet potato casserole!” The meaning has deepened with time: “As I’ve gotten older, it’s become a time to rest, reflect… and be extra thankful.” Her most magical memory is sensory and sweet: “Waking up… to the smell of fresh dressing and sweet potato casserole with the Maceys thanksgiving day parade on… it always felt so magical!”
“Thanksgiving for me looks like a room full of my favorite people… stuff our faces with great food and drinks,” Hayden says. Being away from home makes it hit harder: “Thanksgiving is definitely more special to me these days because I don’t live in the same area as my family.” And his dream guests come with a story: “Elvis Presley, my Papaw Ron, and George Jones… Papaw Ron… has gone as far as to tell me… nobody is better than Elvis… I just find that very funny.”
“Thanksgiving for me looks like a room full of my favorite people… stuff our faces with great food and drinks,” Dylan shares. Like many artists on the move, distance adds meaning: “Thanksgiving is definitely more special to me these days because I don’t live in the same area as my family.” His dream table is stacked with legends and family love: “Elvis Presley, my Papaw Ron, and George Jones… I’d love to meet George Jones… ask him about his time coming up in the industry and have a drink with him.”
“A typical Thanksgiving day for me consists of family, the Macy's Day Parade, a bonfire, and a table full of food!” Hadlie says. One tradition has become a new favorite: “Going to my friend's ranch in Brady, TX… quality time with non-related family and non-traditional food.” And her gratitude is tied to purpose: “I'm grateful for the gift of music… I can share my gift with others.”
“Most thanksgivings I'm the one that cooks… but the last couple of years I've been on the road,” Sheyna says. Her family tradition is beautifully lasting: “Our family makes raviolis from my great grandma's recipe… she came from Italy in the early 1900's and we still use her exact recipe.” One unforgettable memory shows how artists adapt: “Last Thanksgiving I was on tour in Germany… learned German words by playing German board games… and had McDonald’s for dinner.”
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