Countdown to Thanksgiving
How many days until turkey day?
Fourth Thursday of November - time for family and gratitude.
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Thanksgiving
November 26, 2026
The Turkey Day Countdown
Thanksgiving is the holiday that requires the most planning, yet somehow catches everyone off guard. "Wait, it's next week?" I've been there. That's why this countdown exists - I needed a constant reminder that turkey day was approaching.
The fourth Thursday of November moves around enough that it trips people up. Some years you have tons of time between Halloween and Thanksgiving, other years it sneaks up fast. The countdown helps me stay ahead of it.
My Thanksgiving Timeline
After years of last-minute chaos, I finally have a system that works:
Order the turkey (fresh or frozen). Book travel NOW - prices only go up. Create a shared doc for who's bringing what.
Finalize the menu. Buy non-perishables. Confirm RSVPs so you know how much food to make.
Start thawing turkey if frozen (it takes DAYS). Check serving dishes and utensils. Clean out the fridge for leftovers.
Buy fresh produce. Make anything that keeps well (cranberry sauce, pies). Set up extra seating.
Turkey goes in early (4-5 hours for a big one). Prep sides. Set the table. Accept that something won't go perfectly and that's fine.
Turkey Tips From Someone Who's Messed It Up
I've cooked enough terrible turkeys to know what not to do:
🥶 Thawing
In the fridge: 24 hours per 4-5 pounds. A 20lb turkey needs 4-5 days. Start earlier than you think. A half-frozen turkey is a disaster.
🌡️ Temperature
325°F is the sweet spot. Use a meat thermometer - thigh should hit 165°F. Don't trust the pop-up timer that comes with the turkey.
💧 Moisture
Dry brining (salt + fridge overnight) is easier than wet brining and works great. Don't stuff the cavity - cook stuffing separately.
⏰ Resting
Let it rest 30-45 minutes before carving. I know, it's hard to wait. But cutting it too early means dry meat. Use this time for gravy.
Sides Everyone Loves
After polling friends and family over the years, these are the consensus favorites:
🥔 Mashed Potatoes
The undisputed champion. Don't skimp on butter and cream. You can make them ahead and reheat - add a splash of milk when reheating.
🥖 Stuffing/Dressing
Strong regional opinions here. Cornbread vs. white bread. In the bird vs. separate pan. Just make enough - it's always the first to run out.
🫘 Green Bean Casserole
Love it or hate it, someone expects it to be there. The crispy onion topping is 90% of the appeal. You can assemble the day before.
Thanksgiving Facts
- •46 million turkeys are eaten on Thanksgiving. That's about 1 in 6 turkeys sold all year.
- •The first Thanksgiving in 1621 probably didn't include turkey - more likely venison, duck, and seafood.
- •Abraham Lincoln made it a national holiday in 1863, partly to unite the country during the Civil War.
- •The Macy's parade started in 1924, originally featuring zoo animals instead of balloons.
- •Black Friday gets its name because it's when retailers finally turn a profit ("in the black") for the year.