November 25th, 2009 by The Barefoot Blogger: Laura Kleinbaum

As the truncated workweek is winding down just as fast as it started up and Penn Station is filling to capacity with disgruntled commuters, duffle-dragging students and a couple of lost toddlers, I can’t help but think about how much I love Thanksgiving.  This thought occurred to me while pushing my way through a crowd of Washington DC-bound Amtrak patrons on my way to good ol’ NJ Transit.  The stress level in the station was palpably high, and I smiled sympathetically at passers by, all of whom were stressed over meeting in-laws for the first time, how their very first pumpkin pie would turn out, or their parents’ reaction to their new bright red facial piercing.  The holidays are such a wonderful time.  And Thanksgiving is more than just a day-it’s the kick-off to a solid month of family togetherness, cocktail parties complete with eggnog and carols around the piano, and multiple events to which it is appropriate to wear velvet.

Penn Station is my favorite place to be before Thanksgiving because you know everyone is going home for the same holiday.  And it is the same holiday by definition, but more than any other holiday, I find people have the most unique family traditions on this day.

I know you know where this is going.  However you spend your Thanksgiving, you inevitably need the perfect shoes.

Hosting your own Thanksgiving: It is often said that the hostess may be barefoot.  I think this is cute in theory, but why, when there are so many beautiful shoes available and food service involved?  Go for cute comfort, and if you’re going barefoot, give yourself a pedicure.

The Maloles ‘Zoe Luxe Hair’ Flat

Thanksgiving at the club with grandma: It’s a little stuffy and a little conservative, so take this opportunity to wear those really sophisticated shoes for which you’re always trying to find reason to pull them out of the closet.

The Andrea Carrano ‘Boston’ Flat

The Thanksgiving Day Parade: It’s cold out there and crowded too.  You’ll want to be warn and comfortable to enjoy it.  By comfortable I mean, your feet feel good and you feel good too, because you look cute.

The Barefoot Tess ‘Sweater Boot’

Touch football with dad and everyone else before dinner, where you’ll likely sit at the kid’s table, which has grown larger than the adult table: You’ll want a sneaker.

The Bensimon ‘Les Basiques’

The First Thanksgiving: You’re either a clueless Pilgrim or a well-informed Native American:  Maize will be served.

The Corso Como ‘Zola’

The Manimal ‘Vintage Button Moc’

While we’re at it, what do YOU do on Thanksgiving?  (I’m feeling sentimental.)