While Thanksgiving is primarily celebrated in the United States and Canada, celebrities often bring their unique cultural backgrounds and personal traditions to the holiday. From traditional feasts to traveling abroad, these stars have found meaningful and sometimes unconventional ways to celebrate Thanksgiving.
Here are ten celebrities who share their unique Thanksgiving celebrations, showing us how this holiday of gratitude can be celebrated in diverse ways.
1. Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas: A Blend of Cultures
Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas bring both Indian and American traditions to their Thanksgiving celebrations. The couple, who often spend holidays together despite busy schedules, incorporate Indian spices and flavors into their Thanksgiving feast. Chopra has spoken about how they blend cultural customs, making Thanksgiving an opportunity to celebrate family heritage and new traditions.
2. Matthew McConaughey: Thanksgiving in Texas
Matthew McConaughey, a Texas native, often hosts Thanksgiving in his home state, embracing the Texan tradition of barbecuing. Known for his love of outdoor gatherings, McConaughey sometimes trades the traditional turkey for smoked meats or other Southern-inspired dishes. His approach to Thanksgiving highlights regional traditions, celebrating gratitude with a Texas twist.
3. Hugh Jackman: Celebrating with Friends While Abroad
As an Australian, Hugh Jackman doesn’t traditionally celebrate Thanksgiving, but while working in the United States, he’s embraced the holiday. Jackman is known to host Friendsgiving with his fellow cast members and friends while filming. This adopted tradition underscores the holiday’s inclusivity, reminding us that Thanksgiving is about gathering and sharing, no matter where you’re from.
4. Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady: Organic, Sustainable Feasts
Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady, known for their commitment to healthy living, celebrate Thanksgiving with organic and sustainable foods. Their holiday meals often feature farm-fresh vegetables and pasture-raised turkey. Bündchen’s emphasis on sustainability adds a mindful approach to Thanksgiving, inspiring others to consider eco-friendly options during their celebrations.
5. Sofia Vergara: Traditional Colombian Dishes for Thanksgiving
Sofia Vergara, originally from Colombia, adds her own cultural flair to Thanksgiving by incorporating Colombian dishes like arepas and empanadas alongside traditional American fare. Vergara’s celebration reflects her pride in her heritage and adds diversity to the Thanksgiving table, showing that the holiday can be a melting pot of flavors and cultures.
6. Salma Hayek: Mexican Traditions with Family
Salma Hayek, of Mexican descent, celebrates Thanksgiving by incorporating Mexican dishes and family traditions. Her holiday table might feature tamales or mole sauce alongside the turkey, blending Mexican and American culinary traditions. Hayek’s celebration is a tribute to her roots, reflecting the holiday’s spirit of gratitude for family and culture.
7. David Beckham and Victoria Beckham: Thanksgiving in England
While Thanksgiving isn’t widely celebrated in the UK, David and Victoria Beckham have embraced the American tradition, especially when living in Los Angeles. They often share their Thanksgiving dinner with close friends and family, making it a special occasion. Their cross-continental celebration shows that Thanksgiving can be observed anywhere, as long as the focus remains on gratitude.
8. John Legend and Chrissy Teigen: A Culinary Celebration
Chrissy Teigen, a renowned cookbook author, turns Thanksgiving into a culinary event, and her husband, John Legend, eagerly joins in. Teigen often tries new recipes for the holiday and shares her creations with fans. The couple’s Thanksgiving highlights their love for cooking and family gatherings, making the day both delicious and memorable.
9. Idris Elba: Celebrating with Loved Ones Across Cultures
British actor Idris Elba celebrates Thanksgiving with his American friends while in the US, enjoying the chance to experience new cultural traditions. He appreciates the holiday as a time for reflection and bonding. Elba’s approach to Thanksgiving shows that you don’t have to be American to enjoy the holiday’s values of unity and appreciation.
10. Gwyneth Paltrow: A Thanksgiving Feast with a Wellness Twist
Gwyneth Paltrow is known for her commitment to wellness, and her Thanksgiving dinner often reflects that. From gluten-free desserts to healthy versions of classic dishes, Paltrow’s Thanksgiving table is filled with wholesome and nourishing food. Her wellness-focused celebration encourages us to think creatively about holiday meals, incorporating elements that suit personal preferences and dietary needs.
Conclusion: Thanksgiving Traditions Across Borders
These celebrities remind us that Thanksgiving can be adapted and personalized, blending different cultures and traditions. Whether they’re in the US or abroad, they celebrate the holiday by focusing on gratitude, family, and togetherness. This Thanksgiving, let’s take a cue from these stars and embrace new ways to celebrate, adding our unique cultural backgrounds to create a truly meaningful holiday.
