The Rise of Thanksgiving Walks: A Modern Holiday Tradition

Thanksgiving walks, particularly the informal "cousin walk," have gained popularity as a way for family members to bond and decompress during holiday gatherings. This tradition has evolved to include various motivations, from socializing to relieving post-meal discomfort. The phenomenon has become so mainstream that marijuana dispensaries celebrate "Green Wednesday," the day before Thanksgiving, as their second-largest sales day of the year, following April 20.

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Participants in cousin walks often find them a comfortable way to engage in conversation away from the dinner table. Parker B., a 24-year-old from North Carolina, notes that these walks help break down barriers of embarrassment, leading to more adventurous discussions. The walks serve not only as a means to enjoy the outdoors but also as a way to address personal issues, such as anxiety or discomfort, in a less formal setting.

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Research supports the health benefits of walking after meals. Dr. Trisha Pasricha highlights that short bursts of physical activity can aid in gas expulsion and improve digestive health. A 15-minute walk post-meal can help blunt blood sugar spikes, making it beneficial for individuals managing prediabetes or diabetes. This practice aligns with the age-old tradition of taking a stroll after a large meal, often humorously referred to as the "fart walk."

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Beyond the cousin walk, various types of walks have emerged during Thanksgiving gatherings. These include:

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• The "I Can’t with This Anymore" Walk: A retreat from uncomfortable conversations, such as political rants.

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• The Gossip Walk: A chance to discuss family members who remain inside.

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• The "Settling a Bet" Walk: An outdoor debate over family trivia.

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• The "I Volunteered to Help with Someone Else’s Dog" Walk: A peaceful escape through dog-walking.

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• The "Mall Opens at 5 p.m." Walk: A preemptive strike against the chaos of Black Friday shopping.

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While many embrace these walks, not all family members may be supportive. Some participants humorously note the need to keep the walks a secret from disapproving relatives, with one stating, “The first rule of the cousin walk is that we do not discuss the cousin walk.” This highlights the tension that can exist within families regarding differing views on activities such as cannabis use.

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Thanksgiving walks, whether for socializing, health benefits, or simply escaping the holiday chaos, have become an integral part of modern family gatherings. As families adapt to new traditions, these walks offer a unique blend of bonding and relief, allowing participants to enjoy quality time together while navigating the complexities of family dynamics. As one participant humorously advises, “Just maybe don’t tell Grandma which type of walk you’re really taking.”

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