The Journey Is Part of the Holiday

By Melanie Grace

Let’s be real: Thanksgiving traffic is the worst.

The packed highways. The weather delays. That person who absolutely should not be driving but somehow got their license anyway. The GPS rerouting you seventeen times. The gas station bathroom stops. The “Are we there yet?” energy that never quite goes away, even when you’re the one driving.

But also? Some of my best Thanksgiving memories happened in the car.

“Thanksgiving Traffic Memories” is that fun, relatable breather we all need. It’s the song that says, “Yeah, getting there is chaos, but it’s also kind of part of the magic.”

I wrote this with a playful energy because I wanted to capture both the frustration and the humor of the journey. The backseat sing-alongs. The arguments about whether we should’ve left earlier. The random roadside attractions. The way time slows down when you’re stuck in traffic with the people you love (or tolerate).

There’s something about being trapped in a car together that creates intimacy, even when you’re annoyed. You talk about things you wouldn’t otherwise talk about. You laugh at things that aren’t even funny. You make memories in the in-between moments.

This song is a palate cleanser—a fun break in the album’s emotional journey. It acknowledges that Thanksgiving isn’t just the destination; it’s also the getting there. The hours on the road. The pit stops at Cracker Barrel. The debates about the best route. The collective relief when you finally see the exit sign.

So next time you’re stuck in Thanksgiving traffic, crank up this song. Embrace the chaos. Make some memories.

Because years from now, you won’t remember the traffic. You’ll remember who you were with.

“Thanksgiving Traffic Memories” is track 5 on My Thanksgiving, available November 21st.