Thanksgiving traditions

It seems every year at this time, I realize how much the holdiay is skipped over in lieu of Christmas. Thanksgiving seems to have become just that day that you feast, welcoming in the Christmas season, which has already started as far as retailers and radio stations are concerned. Now don't get me wrong. I love Christmas. This year I am very excited about it, and I can't wait until I can say that my shopping is done (I am off to a good start). But, I am curious how many of us have Thanksgiving traditions. What do you do? How do you celebrate? Is there that one dish, that that your table would not be complete without?
For me, I think my favorite part is our "practice thanksgiving dinner". It really isn't a practice, because I am not a fabulous cook who has to try out new recipes. I stick with the few that I know, and I can pull off without much complaint from the family. Our "practice Thanksgiving Dinner" is just a time to have that fabulous meal, with just my little family. I love to cook a turkey, potatoes, yams, (this year I even made home made dressing) and celebrate with just the 7 of us. I pull out the fine china and we share with each other what things we are thankful for. This year, the boys all seemed to be thankful for the food. Which was cute (as they stuffed themselves silly) But Josh, as it was his turn said "I'm thankful for food, and for a family to eat it with". It was one of those tender moments that made me go awwww!
As we get together with the extended family, it is noisy and chaotic, but so much fun. That one dish, that no thanksgiving would be complete without is the candied yams. Though, the way my grandma has always made them isn't quite the traditional way. There is a small amount of brown sugar, but no marshmallows. They are made with orange juice and pineapple juice. My husband doesn't care for these yams. But to me they are the true taste of thanksgiving.
Now, I know that there are a lot of you out there who stop by, but never say 'Hi'. So take this time to say hello and share your Thanksgiving traditions. I would love to hear them, as I try to salvage what is left of thanksgiving, before the Christmas season kicks into high gear.