In the United States , it is almost time for something else . In a few days , smells of roasting turkey , buttery mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie will fill homes from coast to coast . With schools closed , many children will settle down in front of a television to watch a big parade in New York City . They see people dressed like superheroes and storybook characters pass before their eyes as the parade moves down the street . Later in the day , many adults will watch one or more football games on television . It is all part of the American holiday of Thanksgiving . Now , for some people , spending Thanksgiving with extended family is not possible . In the U.S ., members of the same family often live very far apart . Others have family members they don't want to spend the holiday with . This is where the custom of Friendsgiving comes from . “Friendsgiving ” is a fairly new term for spending Thanksgiving with friends and not family . A big part of the holiday is the food ! The turkey is the star of most Thanksgiving meals . The cook in the home wakes up early to prepare the food . After adding seasoning to the turkey , it is heated in an oven for several hours . Just because this large bird is the star , that doesn't save the word “turkey ” from having some bad meanings . For example , in American English , a “turkey ” is something that fails or a person who is not all that intelligent . When a film loses money , we can call it a turkey . And if we meet someone who is foolish , we can call them many names – one of which is “turkey .” Now , a turkey is big ; so , there are always leftovers . People often cook too much , so there is always food left over for the next day and the next … and the next . You may have heard the expression cold turkey . This might sound like a tasty meal that you eat from Thanksgiving leftovers . But it's not . “Cold turkey ” is when you immediately give something up , usually something that is not good for you . They must do it slowly over time . Let's say you have a friend who smokes too much . You may have to talk turkey with them . When you are talking turkey , you're not sharing recipes for your Thanksgiving leftovers . This expression means you talk to someone in a plain , clear and honest way , usually about something unpleasant . Now , let's talk turkey about … turkey itself . Sometimes turkey can be dry and tasteless . A dry turkey is probably the number one food complaint at a Thanksgiving dinner . However , even if you overcook your turkey and it comes out dry , don't worry . Just make sure to make a really good gravy to pour all over it . Gravy is made from the juices of cooked meat . Mashed potatoes and gravy are usually a favorite at the dinner table . In the U.S ., we also use the word “gravy ” to suggest something valuable or more than what you expected . For example , let's say your office gives you a really big end-of-year bonus . You can say the money that you received in addition to your wages was gravy . You didn't expect it . It was like getting extra money ! Turkey covered with gravy is usually the main course at Thanksgiving . But many people love the side dishes just as much , especially the ones made with potatoes ! Whether baked , mashed or scalloped , it is important to have a potato side dish . But be careful not to bring a hot potato to the table ! The term “hot potato ” means an issue or question about which people feel very strongly . People may argue about divisive issues , also called “hot potatoes .” Other favorites at the Thanksgiving Day table are the vegetable side dishes , such as green bean casserole , roasted Brussel sprouts and creamed corn . Well , corn is a grain plant and not a vegetable . But did you know that the word “corn ” can be an insult when talking about someone or something ? “Corny ” is a way to describe something so simple and old-fashioned that it is unpopular or even annoying . Americans often describe outdated ideas , old jokes and overly-emotional poems as corny . Let's leave corn and turn to stuffing.To be stuffed means that you ate so much you can't possibly eat any more . Traditional stuffing is a food made with bread , herbs , eggs , celery and onion . They are mixed together , put inside the bird and cooked . A roasted brown , stuffed turkey is a thing of beauty ! Having a room full of stuffed guests is also nice . It means everyone had enough to eat – or , maybe too much ! That was a look at a few words and expressions related to the Thanksgiving holiday . Now , let's hear how they are used at the dinner table . Pardon me , could you pass the gravy , please ? So , like I was saying , I told my supervisor that it was time to talk turkey . I told her exactly how I felt about the new worker . I predict that didn't go over very well . Your boss doesn't sound like a person who likes to talk to employees directly . But it paid off . And since I've already paid my bills for the year , the money is pure gravy ! So , I think I'll use it to take a trip . Good for you ! But let's not talk about work anymore . I have a great joke ! What did the zero say to the eight ? ... You told the same corny joke last year at Thanksgiving . They're a lot better than the dirty ones you hear these days . By the way , who cooked the turkey this year ? It is really moist and tastes great . And don't forget the gravy . I slow-cooked it for an hour and used fresh herbs to flavor it . I haven't had homemade gravy in years ! So , did anyone hear what the President said about … No , no , no ! Not at the table . I'd rather hear silly , corny jokes than talk about politics , thank you very much . There are too many hot potato issues these days . You never know what is going to make someone angry . Hey , who would like a glass of wine ? I gave up all alcohol last month . I quit cold turkey and haven't had a drop since . That's not easy . He said it was difficult . But it was the only way he could quit . Would you like more stuffing ? How can you still be hungry ?! What can I say ? I like stuffing and I only get it once a year … at Thanksgiving . Hey , it might sound corny , but why don't we go around the table and tell one thing we're thankful for . I remember my grandmother would always ask the people invited to her Thanksgiving meal to do this . I'll go first ! I am most thankful for my good health this year . As we thanks during this time of the year , all of us here would like to thank all of you for spending time with us ! And I'm Jonathan Evans .