Thanksgiving conversation starters

Since no one wants to spend thanksgiving arguing with your uncle Bill about politics. And sitting in total silence while your family shovels yams and cranberry sauce into their mouths is really awful. Here are a few fun facts to break the awkward silence.

Turkey legs


According to Disney it's estimated that guests consume more than 1.6 million turkey drumsticks every year at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. Unfortunately, there is no data from the other hotbed of turkey drumstick consuming the renaissance faire. No food goes better with both waiting online for Splash Mountain or watching the joust.

The champ is here

World-renowned hot dog eater Joey Chestnut is also the record holder for turkey eating. In 2014 Chestnut ate 9.35 pounds of turkey meat, off the bird, in 10 minutes. He also holds the world record for shrimp cocktail, matzoh balls, deep fried asparagus, pork ribs, and hard-boiled eggs.

 Not as old as you think

This is not the 396th anniversary of the first Thanksgiving. Nope. Yes the surviving pilgrims from the Mayflower did have a harvest banquet with the Native people near Plymouth Rock in 1621. But it did not become a federal holiday until 1863 when President Lincoln established it.

Add a side of pigskin 


Since the NFL started in 1920 there have been games on Thanksgiving. The Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys have played home games on Thanksgiving since 1934 and 1966 respectively.

So are turkeys from the country Turkey? Aka a mistaken identity 


No. The wild turkeys that are native to North America, were brought back to Europe. Where they were mistakenly called Turkeys. They looked like a bird that had originally been brought into a Europe by the Ottoman Empire from East Africa, which was known as the Turkey Cock or Turkey Hen.

The wrath of the Turducken™

While you would think stuffing a duck and a chicken into a turkey was invented over a case or three of beer. It was actually invented by chef Paul Prudhomme in the 1970s. He trademarked the name on 1986.

Thanksgiving around the world 

With the exception of Canada who celebrates Thanksgiving in October, this holiday is strictly and uniquely an American holiday, so there are not traditions from around the globe. See also the Fourth of July.

Now, if these facts don't break the awkward silences that we often associate with spending time with extended family, there is always wine. Lots and lots of wine.