Thanksgiving in Black households is a day full of tradition, family, and culture, steeped in love and laughter. From waking up early to finish the feast to breaking into spirited debates over football or The Wiz after dinner, the day is an experience uniquely ours. It’s a time to honor our elders, pass down stories, and create new memories while holding onto the traditions that keep us grounded.

At I Love Us, we know Thanksgiving is as much about the vibes as it is about the food. That’s why we’ve curated three essentials to elevate the holiday, blending music, memory-making, and family entertainment.

Thanksgiving Day starts early in most Black homes. While some chefs prep days in advance (shoutout to the aunties who have their pies done by Tuesday), the real magic happens on Thanksgiving morning. The kitchen comes alive with the smells of seasoned greens, sweet potato pies warming in the oven, and the turkey getting its final check before it heads back in for that golden-brown finish.

The kitchen isn’t just where the food gets made. It’s also where the heart of the holiday beats. The mamas, grandmas, and aunties take center stage, their aprons dusted with flour, their movements synchronized like a well-rehearsed performance. And what’s the soundtrack to all this culinary magic? A mix of music that keeps the energy up and the love flowing.

This is where our Thanksgiving playlist, The Itis, comes in. Forget jumping straight to Christmas music—Thanksgiving has its own bangers that deserve their shine.

• “Yamz” by Masego & Devin Morrison sets the mood with its smooth, soulful groove.
• “Greens Beans Potatoes” by DJ Suede, featuring Shirley Caesar brings the energy and a little kitchen hype.
• “Stir Fry” by Migos keeps things upbeat for the chefs multitasking on casseroles and cobblers.
• “Home” by Stephanie Mills brings the nostalgia, grounding everyone in a sense of gratitude and togetherness.

Meanwhile, the kids are in the living room, eyes glued to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. For some, it’s all about the floats and larger-than-life balloons; for others, it’s the unofficial countdown to Christmas. Either way, it’s a moment of calm before the chaos—and the feast—that’s about to unfold.

Thanksgiving isn’t always perfect. Family gatherings can be complicated, especially when generational gaps or estranged relationships come into play. But it’s also an opportunity for healing, understanding, and capturing the wisdom of those who’ve come before us.

That’s where At Their Feet comes in—a beautifully designed heirloom book perfect for recording those conversations with our elders. Thanksgiving is one of the few times the family is all together, making it the ideal moment to ask questions and share stories.

Imagine sitting down with your grandmother, who’s been perfecting her cornbread dressing recipe for decades. You ask her where she learned to cook and end up hearing about her childhood, her dreams, and the life lessons she’s gathered along the way. Or maybe you talk to your uncle, whose hilarious stories about growing up in the ‘60s always leave everyone in stitches.

These moments are priceless, and At Their Feet helps ensure they’re not forgotten. Write down the recipes, the advice, and the memories that make your family unique. It’s a way to preserve your family’s legacy while creating new traditions for generations to come.

By early afternoon, the food is finally ready, and the dining table is transformed into a masterpiece. Turkey, mac and cheese, greens, yams, cornbread, stuffing—the lineup is a labor of love, and every dish tells a story.

After a heartfelt prayer or words of gratitude, everyone dives in. The room is filled with laughter, forks scraping plates, and the occasional compliment to whoever’s mac and cheese won this year’s unofficial competition.

And then it hits—the itis. Plates are cleared, bellies are full, and the family retreats to their respective corners for some post-feast relaxation. This is when the great divide happens, and two groups form around two TVs:

• The Football Crew: For sports fans, Thanksgiving football is non-negotiable. Loud commentary, playful trash talk, and passionate debates fill the room as everyone roots for their favorite team (or just enjoys the halftime show).
  
• The Wiz Crew: Meanwhile, another group gathers to watch The Wiz. This all-Black reimagining of The Wizard of Oz, featuring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson, is a Thanksgiving tradition for many. The Wiz always feels like the perfect way to end a day centered on family and gratitude.

Where to Watch The Wiz

If The Wiz is part of your family’s Thanksgiving tradition (or if you’re ready to make it one), you’ll be glad to know it’s easily accessible on several streaming platforms. You can rent or purchase The Wiz starting at $3.99 on popular platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies & TV, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. If you have a YouTube TV Premium subscription, you can watch it there as well. With these options, it’s easier than ever to gather the family, hit play, and ease on down the road with this Black classic.

Thanksgiving in Black households is a cultural experience. From the food to the music to the moments that don’t make it to social media, the day is filled with traditions that are uniquely ours.

It’s in the way the kitchen transforms into a sacred space, where love is poured into every pan and pot. It’s in the music that keeps us moving, the movies that bring us together, and the stories that remind us of where we come from.

This year, let’s embrace everything that makes Thanksgiving special. Turn up The Itis playlist, grab a copy of At Their Feet, and settle in for a movie that feels like home. Most importantly, let’s hold onto the moments that matter—the laughter, the love, and the memories we create along the way.

As we slide into Thanksgiving week, let’s make it one to remember.

Cover photo: Three Things to Add to Your Thanksgiving Prep This Year / Credit: August de Richelieu