Today’s cohost Dylan Dreyer is spilling the beans on her family's quirky Thanksgiving tradition. It turns out that Dylan and her family hold a "rehearsal" before the big day because her husband, Brian Fichera, gets a little nervous about ensuring the holiday is flawless. In an exclusive chat with Today.com, Dylan, 43, explained how her husband’s perfectionism leads to this unique preparation. “Thanksgiving is my husband and my favorite holiday. Honestly, I love everything about bringing the family together and cooking up a storm to create a meal that everyone can enjoy,” Dylan said with a warm smile. “But let’s be honest, Brian gets pretty anxious because he wants the dinner to be absolutely perfect—it’s his favorite meal of the year!”
Why the Rehearsal Matters
According to Dylan, Brian’s meticulous nature pushes them to rehearse the entire Thanksgiving meal. “He always insists that we do a dry run just to make sure the gravy is spot-on, the stuffing is perfect, and the mashed potatoes are just right,” Dylan revealed. She admitted that this practice round actually helps them prepare for the real deal. “For instance, during our last rehearsal, the feedback on the gravy was that it was a tad too watery, but the flavor was solid. The stuffing, on the other hand, was a bit dry, so I’ve been making notes on what needs tweaking,” she explained with a chuckle. “It’s all about fine-tuning the details to make the actual dinner unforgettable.”
A New Twist on Tradition
Life has thrown Dylan and her family a curveball this year, as their son Calvin, 7, was diagnosed with celiac disease in 2023. “This diagnosis has definitely changed the way we approach Thanksgiving,” Dylan shared. “Stuffing now has to be different because we can’t use bread, and gravy requires a gluten-free substitute for flour. Even the rolls need to be adjusted.” Despite these changes, Dylan remains optimistic. “I’m thrilled to report that since we removed gluten from Calvin’s diet, his hair isn’t falling out anymore. The rashes are gone, his ear doesn’t hurt, and he’s free of headaches and stomachaches,” she told People, highlighting the positive impact of the dietary shift. 
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Family Dynamics at the Table
When it comes to her children, Dylan admits that while Calvin is eager to dive into the meal, her two youngest sons—Oliver “Ollie,” 4, and Russell “Rusty,” 3—are a bit more selective. “Calvin will eat everything, but Ollie and Rusty don’t really care for the traditional Thanksgiving fare,” she confessed to Today.com. “So now I’m brainstorming ways to make sure they have a great meal without having to prepare an entirely separate dish for them.” Dylan and Brian met while working at NBC’s Boston affiliate station, WHDH. She was a meteorologist, and he was an in-studio technician. They tied the knot in 2012 after getting engaged in 2011.
Quality Time in the Kitchen
Dylan treasures the moments she spends with her children in the kitchen. Earlier this year, she shared a heartwarming photo of her and her sons cooking together on Instagram. “Last night, I was rushing to make dinner, and all three of my boys asked if they could help chop the veggies. I paused, took a deep breath, and said, ‘Sure! Why not?’ Dinner was a little delayed, but who cares? We had an amazing moment together!” she captioned the photo. Fans were quick to comment, praising her as the “mom of the year” and noting how wonderful it is to see such a loving family dynamic.
