Texas Living

A Few of Our Family’s Thanksgiving Traditions

By Staci Parks 11.18.19

For Texans, the arrival of fall means the much-anticipated return of college football, the State Fair of Texas, and denim jacket-worthy weather.

But as another year ends, fall also brings a season of reflection through celebrating Thanksgiving. We asked Agents to share some of their families’ favorite Thanksgiving traditions.

How is your family celebrating Thanksgiving? Share your family’s Thanksgiving traditions by writing to editor@blog.txfb-ins.com for a chance to be featured in one of our stories!

Lisa Long Bradshaw, Decatur Agent

“There’s lots of love, laughing, and food in a house full of family and friends! I am most thankful for my family. I am blessed with an amazing, supportive husband and five great kids, who are spread out across the state, three at three different universities. We are all healthy and happy. God truly has blessed me and my family. Thanksgiving traditions at the Bradshaw household include traditional favorites, such as mashed potatoes and green bean casserole for Thanksgiving dinner. But all five kids always want sausage dip and tortilla rollups to snack on the entire weekend. Since our kids range in age from 19 to 29, we play lots of games over the Thanksgiving break!”

Jason Cantrell, Castro-Swisher Agency Manager

“We always have a great meal and some great family time! For the past five years, I have gone with some of our members from First Baptist Church of Dimmitt to deliver food to an orphanage in Juarez, Mexico. We take the food to a small church in El Paso, and they distribute it to the orphanage throughout the year. This mission has carried on for the past 25 years with our church. Last year, my wife and daughter and I were the ones who took the food. We took 6,500 pounds of massa, dried potatoes, and beans. We hope to do this again this year and for many to come!”

Kim Drewry, Texarkana Agent 

“We go to my aunt and uncle’s ranch in Oklahoma to meet up with cousins, have dinner, and ride horses. This has been a tradition for us since my mother passed away in 2013. This year, I am so thankful for a healthy family. My 73-year-old father is the picture of health, as well as my husband and daughter. I’m very grateful for this career and all my clients who are blessings throughout the year!”

Eryn Reedy, Mineral Wells Agent

“Growing up, Thanksgiving was always about family in my household. My mother would cook your traditional Thanksgiving meal: turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, and so many, many pies! My favorite has always been pumpkin pie, and because I loved it so much, she always baked me my very own — nobody else was allowed to touch it.

“All of our family would gather together at my parents’ house, and we would spend the day together, including a nap after the turkey finally hit us! I originally grew up in Minnesota, where my family still resides. My Thanksgiving tradition has changed just a little bit now that I’ve moved to Texas and married, but the premise is the same: family. My husband and I now spend Thanksgiving with his parents, doing just the same as I did growing up, though my family does make sure to still include us by “FaceTiming” us so we can still be a part of their day as well.

“I have so much to be thankful for this year. My family is happy and healthy, and I have a career where I am able to touch the lives of so many families. One of my favorite quotes is, “I still remember the days I prayed for what I have now.” This year, I have been blessed in many, many wonderful ways, and goals and dreams that I have worked so hard for, for so many years, are finally starting to come true. For that, I couldn’t be more thankful.”

Whether you’re looking for new Thanksgiving traditions or want to add a Texan flair to your traditional meal, spending time with family and friends is what matters most. Protect your loved ones, and call your Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Agent today to set up a 360 Review.

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