Matthew McConaughey has always had a "way" with words, but in 2024, he decided to let his kitchen do most of the talking. Sorta.
If you were scrolling through Instagram on Thanksgiving morning, you probably saw it: the Oscar winner and his wife, Camila Alves McConaughey, standing over a raw bird with a bottle of their own Pantalones Organic Tequila. Most people stick to butter and sage. Not the McConaugheys. They went full "tequila turkey" for the 2024 holidays, and honestly, it’s the most Texas thing I’ve ever seen.
But they weren't the only ones doing things differently this year. While Matthew was busy boozing up a poultry carcass, the rest of Hollywood was split between high-glamour tropical getaways and surprisingly relatable "kids-are-screaming-in-the-background" chaos.
The McConaughey "Tequila Turkey" Experiment
Let’s get into the weeds of this turkey. This wasn't just a splash of spirit for the sake of a brand deal. Camila actually held a contest on her lifestyle site, Women of Today, to find the ultimate recipe. The winner? Chef Laurence Agnew from The Grand Marlin.
The video they posted was chaotic in the best way. Camila starts pouring the tequila into the brine, and Matthew—being Matthew—keeps nudging her to add "more." She tells him no, he does it anyway when she looks away, and they both end up laughing. It felt like a real couple in a real kitchen, not a staged PR stunt.
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Why tequila in a turkey?
It sounds weird, right? But the science is actually there. The alcohol acts as a solvent, helping the aromatics—they used sliced apples and onions—penetrate the meat. Camila later showed off the finished bird, and I have to admit, it looked incredible. Deep golden brown, "picture-perfect" as she called it.
The McConaughey "Revolution"
Beyond the food, Matthew dropped a video that felt like a mini-sermon. He wasn't talking about politics or movies. He was talking about "taking care of who's at the table." He basically argued that if we actually committed to the people in our immediate circle—our kids, our friends, even our dogs—it would start a "revolution."
It’s that classic McConaughey "Greenlights" energy. He’s telling us to forget the noise of the world for one day and just be present.
What Other Celebrities Did for Thanksgiving 2024
While the McConaugheys were in Texas, the rest of the A-list was scattered across the globe. Some stayed home; others fled the country entirely.
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The "Firsts" and Emotional Milestones
- Olivia Munn and John Mulaney: This was a big one. It was their first Thanksgiving as a married couple, and their first as a family of four after welcoming their daughter, Méi, via surrogate in September. They kept it low-key, focusing on their kids, which felt right after the year Olivia has had battling breast cancer.
- Bruce Willis: This was a heart-tugger. His daughters, Tallulah and Scout, shared a photo of them cozying up to him. Given his ongoing battle with aphasia and frontotemporal dementia, seeing the family "grateful" and together really resonated with fans.
- Katie Holmes: She had a bit of a "full circle" moment as Suri Cruise returned home from her first semester at Carnegie Mellon. Just a mom and daughter reuniting—basically a Hallmark movie in real life.
Tropical Getaways and International Vibes
Not everyone wanted to deal with a cold November. Sofía Vergara basically won Thanksgiving by flying her entire family from Colombia to her private island home, "Casa Chipi Chipi." There was a lot of dancing, a lot of fried food, and zero snow.
Jessica Alba took a similar route, heading to Mexico. Meanwhile, Tom Brady posted about his kids, even though they were reportedly in Costa Rica with their mom, Gisele Bündchen. It’s that modern, co-parenting holiday reality that a lot of people can relate to, even if they don't have seven Super Bowl rings.
The Macy’s Parade Stars
While we were all waking up from food comas, some people were actually working.
- Jennifer Hudson: She braved the New York rain in a red gown to belt out "Jingle Bells."
- Kylie Minogue: She brought the energy with a medley of "Padam Padam" and "Can't Get You Out of My Head."
- Ariana Madix: The Vanderpump Rules star was on the Peacock float, proving her post-Scandoval era is still going strong.
The "Relatable" Chaos: Cardi B and Paris Hilton
If you think celebrity holidays are all private chefs and silent children, you’re wrong.
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Cardi B gave us the most honest look at the day. She posted a spread that included turkey, chicken, prime rib, and mac & cheese. But then she had to stop posting because she said her kids were on their "worst behavior." We've all been there. You have this vision of a perfect dinner, and then a toddler decides to have a meltdown over a potato.
Paris Hilton went the sentimental route, using a Billie Eilish song for a montage of her "precious babies." It’s a huge shift from her "Simple Life" days, and honestly, "Mom Paris" seems much more at peace.
How to Do Thanksgiving Like a Pro in 2025 (and beyond)
Looking at Matthew McConaughey and other celebrities’ thanksgiving celebrations in 2024, there are a few takeaways you can actually use. You don't need a private island or a tequila brand to make the day feel special.
Practical Tips from the Stars:
- The "Alcohol Brine" Trick: You don't have to use tequila. A splash of bourbon or even a dry white wine in your turkey brine can break down the proteins and add a layer of flavor that salt and water just can't reach.
- Commit to the Table: Take McConaughey's advice. Put the phones in a basket. If you're going to be there, be there.
- Embrace the "Firsts": If it's your first holiday after a big life change—a move, a breakup, a new baby—don't try to force the old traditions. Make new ones.
- It's Okay if it's Messy: If Cardi B can admit her kids are acting up, you can too. The "perfect" holiday is a myth.
The "Santa Pants" Strategy
If you want to keep the McConaughey vibe going into December, they actually transitioned their Thanksgiving "Pantalones" energy into a Christmas cocktail called the "Santa Pants." It's basically tequila, cranberry, lime, and ginger beer. Simple, effective, and probably better than a standard mimosa.
At the end of the day, 2024 showed that celebrities are moving away from the "perfectly curated" holiday image. They’re showing the tequila spills, the rainy parade performances, and the family members who don't want to take a photo. It makes the whole thing feel a lot more human.
Actionable Insight: For your next big holiday gathering, try a "Signature Spirit" bird. Whether it's the McConaughey Tequila Turkey or a cider-brined version, adding a unique element to the main dish creates a conversation piece that goes beyond the usual "how's work?" small talk. Pair it with a strict "no-politics" rule at the table to focus on the people actually sitting in front of you.