Turkey, football and giant, inflated balloons of cartoon characters are probably essential parts of many Thanksgiving celebrations, but many families celebrate in other, highly individual ways, according to Jay Mechling, a professor of American Studies at UC Davis. Mechling, who specializes in folklore and myths, says that families use holidays to sustain their individual identities through their own rituals, traditions and stories. Ethnic dishes, funny stories and photo albums are among the ways that families pass on traditions and rituals from generation to generation, Mechling says.