A-List Stars Share Unique Thanksgiving Traditions

As Thanksgiving approaches, the ways in which Hollywood’s A-list stars celebrate this cherished holiday come into focus. While some embrace traditional gatherings, others opt for alternative activities that reflect their personal values and beliefs. Notably, celebrities such as Blake Lively, Angelina Jolie, and Katy Perry illustrate the diverse spectrum of Thanksgiving observances in Tinseltown.

Blake Lively’s Family Feast

Actress Blake Lively is set to host her customary large family gathering this year, featuring a lavish 12-course meal prepared alongside her husband, Ryan Reynolds, and their children. Lively has expressed her excitement for a day dedicated to relaxation and culinary indulgence. “I plan to eat, relax and just do nothing, which is so exciting because that really doesn’t happen often!” she shared with US Weekly.

In her previous Thanksgiving celebrations, Lively has provided glimpses of her elaborate dessert spreads on social media. Last year, she showcased three stunning pies, including a chocolate pie decorated with autumn-themed pastry designs, a citrus tart adorned with lime slices, and a fruit-filled square dessert. “Yummm,” she captioned the snapshot, inviting fans to appreciate her festive creations. Her home decor also reflects the holiday spirit, further emphasizing the warmth and joy of family gatherings.

Angelina Jolie’s Discontent

In stark contrast, Angelina Jolie has voiced her disapproval of Thanksgiving, primarily due to the holiday’s controversial historical origins. The holiday commemorates a feast shared between early settlers and the native Wampanoag Indians in the 1600s, an event Jolie finds troubling. A source close to the actress revealed to PopEater in 2016 that she is “grossed out” by the celebration, stating, “To celebrate what the white settlers did to the native Indians, the domination of one culture over another, just isn’t her style.” This perspective highlights her desire to instill a sense of historical awareness in her diverse family.

Katy Perry’s Call for Awareness

Pop star Katy Perry has also taken to social media to share her thoughts on Thanksgiving and its complex origins. In 2016, she expressed support for the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation and their protest against the Dakota Access Pipeline during the holiday. “On #Thanksgiving, a day with complex origins, I want to speak up in support of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation,” she wrote, urging her followers to engage with ongoing issues affecting Indigenous communities. Perry concluded, “Let us stand in solidarity with all those who are trying to protect it,” demonstrating her commitment to activism during a time typically associated with celebration.

Emily Blunt’s Unique Approach

Actress Emily Blunt, originally from London, did not grow up celebrating Thanksgiving. However, she and her husband, John Krasinski, have incorporated certain Thanksgiving dishes into their Christmas festivities. “We don’t do Thanksgiving,” she told E! News in 2014, adding that they plan to have two turkeys this year, embracing the holiday spirit in their own way.

The diverse approaches to Thanksgiving among these celebrities illustrate the varying cultural and personal interpretations of the holiday. While some partake in traditional meals and family gatherings, others reflect on historical implications and advocate for social justice. As the holiday draws near, it is clear that Thanksgiving remains a complex and multifaceted occasion, even among Hollywood’s elite.