The Food You Better Not Mess Up
It’s not Thanksgiving without Nana checking whether this cheesy pasta dish has enough layers
What is baked macaroni and cheese?
This question is commonly asked before anyone touches the potato salad.
What is “Who made the potato salad?”
No Black family Thanksgiving is complete without at least one cook dancing to this song by the Gap Band.
What is “Outstanding”?
This card game often leads to someone yelling, “Run me my books!”
What is Spades?
Before eating, the family might join hands and do this tradition led by the eldest present
What is prayer?
Auntie has been making this slow-cooked dish with turkey meat and nobody else is allowed to bring it.
What are collard greens?
If THIS relative brings the deviled eggs, everybody breathes a sigh of relief.
Who is the trusted auntie?
This song plays at every gathering, and even the kids know the electric movement sequence.
What is the “Electric Slide”?
This uncle or family member always falls asleep on the couch with the remote in his hand.
Who is Uncle (insert name of your choice)?
You better greet everyone when you walk in, or you’ll hear about it later.
What is “speaking to the whole house”?
This sweet dish is so sacred that bringing pumpkin instead might get you beat up and uninvited next year.
What is sweet potato pie?
This dish is often judged by how many cheeses are in it — and whether it’s baked or stovetop.
What is macaroni and cheese?
If you hear this 1995 hit by Montell Jordan, it means the kitchen is in full swing.
What is "This Is How We Do It”
The kids' table tradition where cousins argue about who’s the oldest… even if their birthdays are months apart.
What is claiming “seniority”?
This unofficial rule prevents anyone from touching the good Tupperware during the meal.
What is “Don’t take the good containers”?
Whether you call it dressing or stuffing, everyone knows it better have sage and that perfect cornbread base.
What is cornbread dressing?
The family will whisper if the gravy is too lumpy, especially when this family member made it for the first time.
Who is the cousin trying to “learn to cook”?
This line dance song blow up in 2024-2025 and features boots, cowboy hats, and one other item that made it popular among women in general.
What is "Boots on the Ground"
During family dominoes, this playful term is shouted when someone unexpectedly wins the round.
What is “Domino!”
The rule that says you cannot leave without taking at least one of these.
What is “take a to-go plate”?
A Thanksgiving staple that often sits next to the turkey — made with pineapple slices, cherries, and brown sugar glaze.
What is baked ham?
The one main course food that will get quietly pushed to the side if the wrong person is assigned to bring it.
What is the turkey?
This R&B Classic by the O'Jays is a must on your playlist for a Family Reunion and Family Get-Together.
What is "The O'Jays Family Reunion"
This family tradition turns a friendly family game of reverses, skips and drwas into a competitive event.
What is UNO
The family principle that ensures everyone gets fed, even the unexpected guests who “just stopped
What is Southern hospitality?