Ole Miss Fans, Supporters Talk Thanksgiving Traditions

Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate faith, family and blessings. It is a time to slow down and reflect on all that the good Lord has given us and delivered us through, and we reflect on the first Thanksgiving the pilgrims had in 1621.

Each family has their own traditions and favorite foods. Whether they watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, play games, cook turkey or cajun food, sing songs or play music, it does not matter as long as we remember to slow down and enjoy it.

HottyToddy.com has gathered some fun Thanksgiving traditions and foods from Oxford citizens and Ole Miss fans and alumni. We hope you enjoy reading these memories as much as these families enjoyed making them.

Mr. Hugh Potts

“I’m 70-years-old and I would say that my family and I, and my wife of 48 years, have almost, without exception, celebrated Thanksgiving in one of our homes in Mississippi. It is very much a family occasion around the family table,” Potts said. “The staples are turkey, cornbread dressing (with lots of pepper and onions). My aunt’s used to prepare oyster dressing. We gather as many of the family around the table as possible, and we have church members and neighbors who are included, but do not have a family of their own to dine with. This year, we are going to Memphis to get our feet under a family table.”

Mr. Potts said his family also likes to sing the doxology of Thanksgiving:

Vickie and Gene Newton

Mr. Gene and Mrs. Vickie Newton,  parents of an Ole Miss Rebel (Hottytoddy.com’s Emily Newton)

At the Clay Cooper Theater in Branson, Missouri

“Our family likes to celebrate Thanksgiving in Branson, Missouri. The town starts decorating for Christmas the last few weeks of November. We eat our Thanksgiving meal and then go look at Christmas lights. It’s the best of both worlds because we love both holidays so much.”

“We also like to go see the Clay Cooper Show, where I (Vickie) have a friendly football rivalry with Mr. Cooper. Gene, Emily, Shelton and I enjoy our time there.”

Mr. Bill Dunlap

“We are going to be gathering at a friend’s house. We’ll have a good Thanksgiving, Norma Watkins will be there. I’m sure Mississippi history will come up.”

Check out Laurie Triplette’s Cranberry Chutney recipe here.

Mrs. Dunlap’s Cranberry Conserve Recipe:

Ingredients:  fresh cranberries, naval oranges, raisins, walnuts and sugar.

Instructions: Boil and strain cranberries, chop the orange (skin and all), mix in the raisins and walnuts. It’s that easy!

Sonya, Mason and Jim Patton of Greenville, Mississippi

Mr. Jim and Mrs. Sonya Patton

Sonya Patterson said, “Unfortunately, Jim’s family lives in Starkville! So each year we definitely show our support for our REBELS!”

The George Payne Cossar, Jr. Family

The Cossar Family, Mrs. Betty Cossar

Ginger Pepper and Louanne Cossar

“We all go to Charleston, Mississippi to George Cossar Jr.’s house. We’ll get up, the children will watch the Macy’s parade. George and my husband will be frying turkey’s in the garage. Ginger Pepper brings a butter bean souffle. Louanne Cossar will make giblet gravy and dressing.”

George Payne Cossar IV (Chip Cossar)

“After everything is done, we spread out the table all the way up and down the living room and dining room and we say grace. We used to make name cards for places to sit, but then there was a name on your plate and you had to to say something about the person you were thankful for.”

Enjoy your memories, and make some new ones this week with your family. In fact, we would love to hear more! Have a safe and blessed Thanksgiving!

Emily Newton is a writer for hottytoddy.com and editor of Experience Oxford magazine. She is a recent graduate of the University of Mississippi’s Meek School of Journalism and New Media. Emily can be reached at emily.newton@hottytoddy.com.