After the Thanksgiving turkey is roasted to golden perfection, the wishbone is set aside to dry. Whether it’s placed on a windowsill, tucked discreetly on the counter, or hidden high above curious little hands, families wait until it’s brittle enough to crack just right.
Some say the more brittle the bone, the better your chances. Others swear by technique:
Grip lightly.
Pull fast.
Don’t twist.
Everyone has their strategy—until someone ends up victorious.
The Big Moment
When the time finally comes, tradition says two people step forward—usually the ones who called “dibs” earliest. They each hold a side of the wishbone, look each other dead in the eye, and make a silent wish.
There’s a hush.
A grin.
A countdown.
Then—snap.
The bone breaks. One side is bigger. One side is smaller.
And just like that, the “Lucky One” is crowned.
You’ll see victory dances, playful arguments, and the inevitable “That didn’t count, you cheated!”—all part of the charm.
