Traditions may vary from family to family, but all have one thing in common: their emphasis on family, friends and the opportunity to give thanks for their blessings. Here are some of the many Thanksgiving traditions we've gathered from families across the country.

Turkey and Thanksgiving Dinner

From the first Thanksgiving to today's turkey burgers, turkeys are an American tradition dating back centuries. According to the National Turkey Federation, 97 percent of Americans eat turkey at Thanksgiving. Regional twists offer variations on the traditional roasted bird, including coffee-rubbed turkey from Hawaii, salt-encrusted turkey from New England, and deep-fried turkey from the South.

Football Fun

Throughout the United States, football on Thanksgiving Day is as much a part of the celebration as turkey and pumpkin pie. The advent of Thanksgiving Day football is purely a 20th century invention. Traditional Thanksgiving Day football games were hosted by the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys. As this modern-day ritual became more and more popular, more games - college and pro - were added with more teams playing throughout the holiday weekend.

Thanksgiving Parade

The first American Thanksgiving Day parade was held in 1920, organized by Gimbel's Department Store in Philadelphia, not Macy's as most people believe. The New York City Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade tradition actually began in 1924, and has grown into an annual event of balloons, bands and floats, enjoyed by more than 46 million people each year in person and on TV.

Holiday Shopping Rush

The day after Thanksgiving, often an additional day off, has become "Black Friday" -- the day when the Christmas shopping frenzy first starts. Like football, this has become a cultural symbol of the holiday and the season. Department stores and retailers across the country offer special deals and early-bird prizes for eager holiday shoppers and bargain hunters.

Making a Wish and Wishbones

This is light-hearted and fun holiday tradition in many families. Known as a "lucky break" - the tradition of tugging on either end of a fowl's wishbone to win the larger piece and its accompanying "wish" dates back to the Etruscans of 322 BC. The Romans brought the tradition with them when they conquered England, and the English colonists carried the tradition on to America. This age-old fun tradition is still enjoyed by families today.

Charity and Giving Back

Last, but certainly not least, Thanksgiving is about giving thanks for the people and blessings of the past year. From pre-meal prayers to providing holiday meals for the homeless and less fortunate - Thanksgiving is truly a celebration of praise and gratitude. Many charitable organizations and shelters across the country provide hot traditional turkey meals with all the trimmings for the less fortunate in their communities. Since 1997, the "More to Share" charitable program (www.moretoshare.org) has donated more than 6,000 turkeys annually to the less fortunate in 28 cities across the United States.

Look at some of the unique traditions our readers have submitted!