THANKSGIVING

Now that Thanksgiving has passed, nothing says holiday spirit more than putting up your Christmas decorations…including the tree!

The power went out for most of the Bridgeland planned community in Cypress at about 11 a.m.

Jeffrey Williams, a retired chef, worked at the Houston Country Club for 34 years.

Oh, Thanksgiving. It’s the one holiday where you stuff your face with delicious food all the while trying to find something to talk about that won’t cause an explosion at the table.

Cheerleaders from Cypress Ranch are headed to New York for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!

This Thanksgiving week, we posed the question to members of our KPRC 2 team -- What are you thankful for this year?

For decades, the Burns family has given out free hot Thanksgiving dinners to the community in need. Monday, Nov. 21, was no different. Once again, more than 1,000 families received good, hot free holiday soul food as the Burns’ family hosted their annual Thanksgiving Dinner Giveaway.

Thousands will gather for Super Feast and there’s a lot of work to get set up. but the kitchen is where a lot of the work is taking place.

Easy recipes for at-home entertaining

South Carolina Emergency Management Division has a few things to say about turkeys, food safety and Thanksgiving.

The H.E.B. Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Uptown Holiday Lighting are two of Houston’s biggest holiday events, drawing in tens of thousands of guests.

The American Jewish Committee and KPRC 2 partner to present America's Table, featuring the many faces and communities of Houston who contribute to making this city one of the most diverse, welcoming, and resilient places in the country

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is stepping up enforcement for the Thanksgiving holiday to help ensure people are able to get to and from their celebrations safely.

On Monday, the city of Houston hosted an all-day food donation drive to save a Thanksgiving tradition.

IN THIS EPISODE:

This Thanksgiving we have a little more than turkey to be excited about as Nov. 24 will now be known as “Hanks Giving Day” in Pittsburg.

Operation Turkey is an organization dedicated to eradicating hunger by giving away free, prepared Thanksgiving meals throughout Houston, Katy and Pasadena on Thanksgiving Day.

It’s not every day that you prepare a feast as big as a Thanksgiving dinner, so it’s easy to forget something. Half-and-half. Butter. That pesky can of cranberry sauce.

The cost to gather around the Thanksgiving table is costlier this year, although estimates suggest record inflation may be on the decline.

Americans are bracing for a costly Thanksgiving this year, with double-digit percent increases in the price of turkey, potatoes, stuffing, canned pumpkin and other staples.

The new exhibition is celebrating the 100th anniversary of King Tut’s discovery with special tomb recreation.

The Big Bounce America 2022 tour includes four massive inflatable attractions, fun for all ages.

While the holidays are a celebratory time for many, some of our neighbors may still be facing hardships while trying to give their families a season’s feast.

On Thanksgiving Day, Operation Turkey will be conducting free turkey giveaways throughout Houston, Katy and Pasadena.

Thinking of flying for the holidays this year? Expect to pay more for airfare than at any other time in recent years.

Mayor Sylvester Turner announced the details of the 73rd annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday.

Power outages left some families across the Houston area struggling to prepare Thanksgiving meals.

Hundreds of people spent part of their Thanksgiving at the George R. Brown Convention Center serving food or picking up meals during the 43rd annual Super Feast.

Operation Turkey delivered 10,000 meals to Houston families on Thanksgiving.

Five cheerleaders from Friendswood High School are set to take part in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday.

The City of Houston’s 72nd Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade has been canceled due to storms across the Houston area.

Thousands of people will eat Thanksgiving meal at George R. Brown Convention Center for the 43rd annual Thanksgiving Super Feast.

Diabetes is considered a growing epidemic in the U.S.

Houston Texans head coach David Culley has been blessed with having a lot of good cooks in the family, but right now he says there’s no better cook than his wife.

If you're hosting, you're probably starting to make lists and consider what you need around the house. We're here to help.

We’re talking about thousands of people expected to attend man holiday gatherings around Houston that require a lot of space...and that means a lot of road closures.

Thanksgiving is coming, Houston! And what better way to celebrate than with a pie!

This Thanksgiving week, we posed the question to members of our KPRC 2 team -- What are you thankful for this year?

Family bragging rights, and maybe even some made-up trophies, are usually on the line for a game people look forward to annually.

We all love spoiling our pets, and amid the spoiling we do to ourselves on Thanksgiving with all the delicious food, some of us consider doing the same for our pets.

Houston Texans star Justin Reid partnered with Kroger to help 20 families buy Thanksgiving groceries.

Have you ever sat back and wondered, “If I were a Thanksgiving food, what would I be?” ... Yeah, safe to say, probably no one has!

There’s still time to get your home ready for the holidays at gallery furniture’s Thanksgiving super sale!

The philanthropic-minded Ouzo Bay visited KidsMeals Inc. in Houston to donate, pack and deliver an abundance of fresh turkeys for families in need.

Every year, the Super Feast feeds thousands of Houstonians for Thanksgiving, but this year they are the ones in need.

Wishing you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving!

On Saturday, several organizers and hundreds of volunteers provided food for thousands of families in the Houston area.

He’s just completed his first 100 days as superintendent of the Houston Independent School District. Millard House II says many of those days were spent listening to the parents, teachers and staff about their priorities.

Less than a week away from Thanksgiving and once again, it will be a holiday with the ever-looming pandemic on many people’s brains.

Get a behind-the-scenes look in this story at the new 2021 parade floats as they are being finalized for the 72nd Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade in Houston.

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, you’ve likely either made a detailed grocery list, or you’ve thought a lot about what you will serve at the table.

This holiday season skip the can of cranberry sauce and make your own!

Texas drivers will be paying slightly less on gas this Thanksgiving week.

A grandmother and stranger to whom she once mistakenly texted an invitation are gathering for their 6th Thanksgiving together this year.

Families in Fort Bend County still have time to register for an annual food drive held the week of Thanksgiving.

Reynolds Wrap has unveiled three new recipes to make your Thanksgiving turkey look and taste like a hot dog.

The internet was alight on Monday with love for a Hershey-made Reese's peanut butter pie that unfortunately sold out.

‘Tis the season to get creative!

Now that Fall is in full swing, many Houstonians will begin sorting through their extensive grocery list for holiday meals and start some early shopping to find the best deals on gifts.

She’s a self-taught baker who started blogging in 2008 and since then has turned her passion for baking into a full-blown business!

While the holidays are a celebratory time for many, some of our neighbors may still be facing hardships while trying to give their families a season’s feast.

Krispy Kreme has released four new, seasonal donuts ahead of Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and for some, this might be the first time you’re seeing family members and friends in a long time.

It’s no secret: Traveling by vehicle has gotten pricier this year.

Halloween has come and gone. Up next, Thanksgiving. This year, skip the thawing, brining, stuffing and basting and opt for a stress-free Turkey Day feast with a little extra oomph. These Houston barbecue joints are offering smoking-good turkey, briskets, ham and side items worthy of your Thanksgiving table.

Mayor Sylvester Turner announced the details of the city’s 72nd Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade since the COVID-19 pandemic on Monday.

There are so many things to love about this time of year, including Friendsgiving, which is when a group of friends gathers together to celebrate Thanksgiving.

If you’re ready to get out of town for the holidays this year, experts are saying right now is the time to buy your flights.

With some Americans now paying the price for what they did over Thanksgiving, health officials are warning people begging them, even not to make the same mistake during the Christmas and New Year's season. Zana Cooper, a 60-year-old cancer survivor in Murrieta, California, tested positive for COVID-19 after attending a Thanksgiving dinner with her son’s girlfriend’s family. Cooper learned the following Sunday that he tested positive. Her family started developing symptoms, and seven members tested positive, said Dr. Thomas Farley, Philadelphia's health commissioner. Harry and Ashley Neidig, of Shepherdstown, West Virginia, tested positive for COVID-19 last week.

KATY, Texas – Health experts are hoping to see increased traffic at testing sites this week now that the Thanksgiving holiday is over. The same data also shows a surge in testing days leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday. In Harris County, 21,109 people took a test from Nov. 17 through Nov. 30, according to Harris County Public Health. Now, city and county health experts are hoping that the upward trend continues this week. “We do know that the incubation period again for COVID-19 is two to three days,” Dr. Shah said.

Even though they look a little different, many people are starting to get their holiday shopping done. The FBI put out a list of tips that could help protect you from online scammers as you shop. Make sure the website is reputable before shopping or providing info like your credit card number. Be wary of social media posts (some posing as holiday promotions or contests) offering discounts, deals or free gifts cards/vouchers. Keep a close eye on your credit and bank statements to make sure no fraudulent charges are being made.

Dr. Joseph Varon has been working nonstop at The United Medical Hospital for 255 days. He said he and his staff are busy and tired, but they’re treating COVID-19 patients around the clock. Now they’re getting prepared for what Thanksgiving and Black Friday could bring. Varon said people need to quarantine for five days and get tested if they traveled for Thanksgiving and were around large crowds on Black Friday. Varon was seen in a heartbreaking photo comforting a patient in the coronavirus intensive care unit on Thanksgiving is going viral.

HOUSTON – Every Thanksgiving, we gather with our family, friends and loved ones to reflect upon the year and express our gratitude for the year’s blessings. During our America’s Table program, we share immigrant stories that inspire, celebrate our cultural roots and hopefully, entice you to cut each other some slack. America’s Table will be presented by KPRC 2′s Kris Gutierrez and former KPRC 2 anchor Linda Lorelle. Read America’s Table Here:America’s Table is brought to you by the American Jewish Committee’s Community of Conscience, H-E-B, Memorial Hermann, Linda Lorelle Media, Big A Productions, Frost Bank, The Jewish Herald-Voice and others. Emmy Award-winning journalist and entrepreneur, Linda Lorelle, guides guests through insightful, intimate conversations that reveal our common humanity.

HOUSTON – “Jeopardy” game show host Alex Trebek filmed a Thanksgiving message to share with the world prior to his death on Nov. 8. The staff of “Jeopardy” shared the message on Twitter Thanksgiving Day, saying it was “high on our list of things to be thankful for this year.”High on our list of things to be thankful for this year: Alex's Thanksgiving message from today's show. We hope you have a safe and happy Thanksgiving! (@Jeopardy) November 26, 2020In the video, Trebek said, “Happy Thanksgiving ladies and gentlemen. In spite of what America and the rest of the world is experiencing right now there are many reasons to be thankful.

League City family hosts socially-distant Thanksgiving celebration (KPRC)After missing Easter because of the pandemic, the couple was determined to find a way to bring everyone together so that they could all find comfort and joy with family. “The gloves are right there to the right,” Lynda McKendree said to another guest looking to fill their plate. League City family hosts socially-distant Thanksgiving celebration (KPRC)Soon, the backyard was filled with stories and laughter. League City family hosts socially-distant Thanksgiving celebration (KPRC)“It takes the edge off of all of the sadness going on right now when you’re with people that you love,” said Lynda’s mother Cheryl Tolbert. League City family hosts socially-distant Thanksgiving celebration (KPRC)Sexton traveled from Ohio to be there, seeing her family for the first time in months.

People may try to go healthy by purchasing gluten-free rolls, brown eggs, and white meat this holiday, but is that really the better option? We have the answers to these common Thanksgiving food myths. First myth… is white meat really healthier than dark meat? The last myth is that you shouldn’t eat after a certain time because it leads to weight gain. Another myth—overeating on Thanksgiving will make you gain weight.

HOUSTON – Every year, thousands turn out to Houston’s Annual Super Feast, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, things are different. No matter how different the event may appear, organizers said the focus is still on giving. This year, guests won’t get the opportunity to sit and fellowship while eating their meal in order to ensure safety. There will be thousands of prepared bags of food for those who come to pick one up Thursday at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Visit the Super Feast website for more information on how to get food or how to donate.

“If you go to an establishment and it’s too crowded, you really need to turn around and walk out,” Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said on Wednesday. Right now, bars in Harris County are not supposed to be open but some have converted into restaurants. Houston’s fire marshal said his teams are responding to complaints about businesses, roughly 90 complaints a day. The mayor said the city does not have the time or resources to check on every establishment. With COVID-19 cases trending higher, he called on people to do a better job of policing themselves.

Aside from sitting at a table on Thanksgiving Day and giving thanks for all that we have, there are a lot of other things associated with the holiday: turkeys, football, parades and more.

With many medical experts urging Americans to make this year’s Thanksgiving scaled down, many of us will probably only see people in our “bubble,” so holiday is going to feel a little bit different. Thanks to technology, you can still gather with your extended family.

HOUSTON – Local officials have made the push and urged people to get tested for COVID-19 as positive cases continue to climb in Houston and Harris County. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo encouraged people to exercise cautions around the holiday and cancel large gatherings. Dr. Maria Rivera with Harris County Public said that the numbers of people getting tested have increased recently. “It’s free you can get tested as many times as you want, the results come back quickly and so we hope people will continue to get tested as we go thru this holiday season,” Dr. Rivera said. Rivera reiterated that people can’t let their guard down even if they test negative.

Thanksgiving is a time for all that’s delicious in the world: All the best appetizers, side dishes, a perfectly moist turkey, seasonal drinks and dessert.

We want to hear about your Thanksgiving traditions.

Gobble gobble! Is your turkey ready for the oven this Thanksgiving?

That’s one thing that’s been keeping them thriving,” Latonya Smith said about the neighborhood staple. “Neighborhood of Acres Homes has been the spot for Burns BBQ, my family, for a long time; so, we’d like to show our appreciation. The Crawford family hosted the food drive, along with Acres Homes native, rapper, and community leader, Slim Thug and his The BossLife Foundation. Turner also rolled up his sleeves and served meals to those who attended -- including Latonya Smith and her daughters. The Smith family snapped a picture with Turner on their way out.

HOUSTON – Mayor Sylvester Turner encouraged Houstonians Monday to follow health and safety protocols during the Thanksgiving weekend. Turner announced the city’s positivity rate and current COVID-19 cases ahead of the holiday weekend. Turner said the city’s positivity rate is now 8.8% -- last week it was 7.9%. Turner said the city’s original goal was to bring the positivity rate to 5%, but now, he’s only asking for residents’ help in not letting the rate continue to rise. The mayor is asking for Houstonians to not gather in large groups or to have Thanksgiving outdoors with immediate family members.

HOUSTON – Medical experts are asking Houstonians to be safe this holiday season by avoiding getting together with anyone outside of their household. Linda Yancey, an infectious disease specialist at Memorial Hermann, said it’s the only way to prevent a spike. Others said they would not let fear control or dictate their plans. But the bottom line is a positive test tells you, you have the disease. A negative test tells us you don’t have it right now.

Turkey day is upon us! Luckily, many area grocery stores will remain open on Thanksgiving Day. Looking for a little help with that Thanksgiving turkey of yours? Take note: A number of Houston-area Thanksgiving Day festivities and events have been curtailed this year due to the coronavirus. Those events and organizations that are forging ahead with Thanksgiving Day events and programs are instituting pandemic policies, which include social distancing and face mask requirements.

This Thanksgiving, show your hosts why you deserve a seat at the adult’s table. Before you make your grand entrance with a standard-issue bottle of wine or box of chocolates in hand, why not pick out something thoughtful your Houston host will appreciate? And who wouldn’t want the chance to buy up Houston’s legendary places like the NRG Stadium, the Toyota Center, Space Center Houston, Minute Made Park, Downtown Houston and Hermann Park? Consider ponying up the big bucks for a pumpecapple pie cake, the turducken of desserts. Priced at $250, weighing in at 23.5 pounds and standing nearly a foot tall, the pumpecapple pie cake is made up of three layers of cake with pie baked into them; a pumpkin pie baked in a pumpkin spice cake; pecan pie or chocolate pecan pie baked in chocolate cake; and last, but not least, an apple pie baked into a spice cake.

Gas prices in Texas remain low as Thanksgiving approaches. The statewide gas price average in Texas is $1.80 for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel. That price is 44 cents less per gallon compared to this time last year, according to the AAA. Drivers in Texas are paying some of the cheapest prices at the pump, ranking 2nd lowest in the country, according to gasprices.aaa.com. “Pump prices have fallen slightly since last week as demand for retail gasoline is trending downward and regional supplies have grown recently,” said AAA Texas spokesperson Daniel Armbruster.

NEW YORK – After Christopher Hughey tweeted that he’s tackling his first Thanksgiving turkey this year, the advice started rolling in. As for the meal itself, experts say to get started well before the big day. Contrary to the advice many offered to Hughey, experts aren’t fans of the pop-up thermometers that come stuck in some birds. Molina, who works at a screen printing firm in Portland, Oregon, knows how badly first attempts can go; years ago, her aunt ended up burning the Thanksgiving bird. She’s cooked turkey breasts in her slow cooker before, but hasn’t yet figured out what she’ll do for Thanksgiving.

HOUSTON – With Thanksgiving less than a week away, a Christian nonprofit organization is making sure families have what they need. The Forge for Families Center held its seventh annual Boxes of Love event on Saturday. Over 900 families received boxes of food with all of the trimmings and a Carnegie hen. Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church has participated in the Boxes of Love event for the past six years. Saturday was the last day for the food boxes.

HOUSTON – As coronavirus continues to make top headlines in Texas and across the country, doctors say many people are becoming fatigued. It will stab you in the back,” said Dr. Joseph Varon, the Chief of Medicine at United Memorial Medical Center. “For me, the next six weeks are probably going to be the darkest times in the city of Houston. Unless we keep our social distance, wear our mask and wash our hands and avoid going to large crowded places,” he said. Varon says he’s prepared to open two additional wards at the facility to prepare for the weeks after Thanksgiving.

There’s been a lot of chatter about Thanksgiving already. If there were ever a time to do something different than a classic turkey dinner, this is probably it.

The CDC's Thanksgiving warning was some of the firmest guidance yet from the government on curtailing traditional gatherings to fight the outbreak. The CDC issued the recommendations just one week before Thanksgiving, at a time when diagnosed infections, hospitalizations and deaths are skyrocketing across the country. “The safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving this year is at home with the people in your household,” she said. ___KEEPING UP WITH NON-COVID-19 CASESHospitals are struggling to keep up with non-coronavirus cases ranging from broken bones to heart attacks in states where COVID-19 cases are tying up resources. '”Earlier this month, the Mayo Clinic Health System in Wisconsin announced it was suspending elective medical procedures.

It was the inspiration behind Families Helping Families Houston, an organization Collins founded seven years ago with a goal of ending hunger, especially during a week meant to give thanks. That’s what Collins does -- feeds 300 families the week of Thanksgiving. “That’s breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus Thanksgiving dinner on that day.”Families Helping Families will hold its annual Thanksgiving week food drive on Saturday at the Smart Financial Center in Sugar Land. Information for both can be found at Families Helping Families Houston’s website. “No one should go hungry during Thanksgiving and to be honest, no one should go hungry at all,” he added.