Naming Our Turkey

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Thanksgiving is a holiday that is cherished by many as a way to give thanks and celebrate a successful year as the season turns to winter.

At Lehmann House Bed and Breakfast, we believe every detail counts in making Thanksgiving a memorable experience. One of our favorite family traditions during Thanksgiving is naming the annual turkey! This exciting tradition adds a dash of humor and personal touch to the holiday feast, turning the preparation into a joyful event for everyone involved.

In this article, we'll explore the amusing history of turkey-naming on Thanksgiving, provide some inspiration, and invite you to share your inventive turkey names with our community.

The History of Turkey-Naming on Thanksgiving

When we think of Thanksgiving, images of a bountiful feast, family gatherings, and, of course, the majestic turkey at the center of the table come to mind. But one of the most fun and modern customs is naming the Thanksgiving turkey, a practice influenced by the unique tradition of presidential turkey pardons.

The tradition of the U.S. President pardoning a turkey dates back to the mid-20th century, in 1947, under President Harry Truman. The yearly pardon has become a staple of White House Thanksgiving traditions, capturing the public's imagination and media attention.

The public interest in the White House turkey pardon and the naming of these (un)fortunate birds has influenced American households. Inspired by this playful tradition, our family--OK, me, began adopting the practice of naming our Thanksgiving turkeys. What started as a presidential novelty soon became a fun, nationwide custom. Little did I know this while naming our first turkey Oscar in 1987.

Creative Ways to Name Your Turkey

When it comes to Thanksgiving, the turkey is undoubtedly the centerpiece of the celebration. Giving your turkey a name can add a delightful twist to your holiday. Here are some creative ways to name your Thanksgiving turkey, ensuring a memorable and fun experience for everyone:

• Pop Culture/Celebrities: Draw inspiration from movies, TV shows, or music that were popular throughout the year. Names like "Turcki Minaj" can add a pop culture spin to your celebration. "Zsa Zsa" was our 2021 turkey.
• Historical Figures: Name your turkey after a significant historical figure. "Abraham Linkingobble" or "Queen Elizabird" can add a touch of humor while paying homage to history. This was more our family's speed.
• Play-on-Words: Puns make for some of the most memorable and humorous names. Names such as "Feather Locklear" are fun and playful options.
• Family-Inspired Names: Involve your family in the naming process. Each member could propose a name, and you could either vote or draw the winning name out of a hat.
  Share Your Turkey Names With Lehmann House Bed and Breakfast!
  As we wrap up our delightful journey through the tradition of turkey naming, we at Lehmann House Bed and Breakfast would love to hear from you! Please share the creative, quirky, or heartwarming names you've given your Thanksgiving turkey.

Be sure to let us know your turkey names in the comments section below. And if you’re interested in a beautiful and quaint setting for your next Autumnal trip to St. Louis, BOOK NOW to get started!

 

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