The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade meme subculture centers on the inherent absurdity of giant inflatable characters navigating New York City streets. From the terrifying sight of a deflated Pikachu to the majestic yet surreal image of a giant balloon looming over apartment windows, these images have become a holiday staple for internet humorists. These memes typically highlight the contrast between the festive spectacle and the logistical chaos behind it, or use the balloons as metaphors for being overwhelmed, feeling out of place, or 'floating' through life's responsibilities while being barely held together by a thin string. Since the parade is televised annually, new templates emerge every year whenever a balloon hits a pole or looks particularly menacing against the NYC skyline.