Thanks Giving
Thanksgiving is one of the most cherished holidays in the United States, celebrated with family, friends, and a spirit of gratitude. It marks a time to give thanks for the blessings of the past year, enjoy delicious food, and embrace traditions passed down through generations. Whether you’re preparing a lavish feast, reflecting on the holiday’s deeper meaning, or simply spending quality time with loved ones, Thanksgiving holds a special place in the hearts of millions.
Thanksgiving is most famously celebrated in the United States and Canada.
In the United States, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, and it is one of the country’s biggest national holidays, marked by family gatherings, feasts, parades, and football games.
In Canada, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday in October. The Canadian version of the holiday is similar to that of the U.S., though it is less commercialized and typically focuses on celebrating the harvest season.
While Thanksgiving is primarily associated with these two countries, other countries like Liberia, the Netherlands, and certain Caribbean islands also observe variations of the holiday. However, the U.S. and Canada are where Thanksgiving is most well-known and widely celebrated.
Things to Know About Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is much more than just a holiday filled with turkey and pumpkin pie; it carries deep historical, cultural, and emotional significance. Here are a few essential things to know:
It’s a National Holiday: Thanksgiving is a federal holiday in the U.S., meaning most businesses, schools, and government offices are closed to allow people to celebrate.
Thanksgiving 2024 Date: In the United States, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, which will be November 28 in 2024.
Thanksgiving Gifts: While gifts aren’t traditionally a part of Thanksgiving, many people give small tokens of appreciation or bring thoughtful gifts when attending a Thanksgiving dinner, such as wine, homemade baked goods, or flowers.
A Time for Reflection: Thanksgiving is often seen as a time to reflect on the good things in life, express gratitude, and acknowledge the importance of family and friends.
How to Celebrate Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving is a holiday full of warmth, traditions, and community. There are various ways to celebrate the day, depending on your preferences and family customs. Here’s how you can make the most of your Thanksgiving:
Prepare a Thanksgiving Feast: One of the most iconic aspects of Thanksgiving is the traditional meal. A classic Thanksgiving dinner usually includes turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, gravy, green beans, and pumpkin pie. For many, the preparation and sharing of this meal are central to the celebration, bringing families together in the kitchen and at the table.
Express Gratitude: The core of Thanksgiving is about giving thanks. Many families take time before or during the meal to share what they are grateful for. Some people may say a prayer or offer a moment of silence to reflect on their blessings.
Spend Time with Loved Ones: Thanksgiving is about community and connection. People gather with family and friends, whether at home or through virtual meetups. Some choose to invite neighbors, coworkers, or those without family nearby, making the day even more inclusive.
Engage in Thanksgiving Activities: Watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, cheering for your favorite team during Thanksgiving football games, or volunteering at a local shelter are all popular Thanksgiving activities. Some families also play board games, go for a walk after the big meal, or engage in crafts like creating “thankful” cards or decorations.
Decorate for the Season: Thanksgiving decorations are often centered around autumnal themes like pumpkins, gourds, leaves, and warm colors. Many families put up Thanksgiving decorations, such as centerpieces, table settings, or wreaths, to make their homes festive for the holiday.
The Purpose of Thanksgiving
What do we celebrate Thanksgiving for? The primary purpose of Thanksgiving is to give thanks for the harvest and other blessings of the past year. It’s a day to acknowledge and appreciate the good things in life, whether that’s health, family, friends, or personal achievements.
Thanksgiving is also a time for giving back. Many people take this opportunity to volunteer at soup kitchens, donate to food drives, or help those in need. The act of giving thanks often extends beyond one’s immediate family, fostering a sense of community and care for others.
Why is Thanksgiving a Holiday?
Thanksgiving became a national holiday in the United States largely due to the efforts of writer Sarah Josepha Hale, who campaigned for years to establish the day as a national celebration. President Abraham Lincoln finally declared Thanksgiving a federal holiday in 1863 during the Civil War. He hoped the holiday would bring the nation together in a time of great turmoil and provide an opportunity for Americans to reflect on their blessings and express gratitude.
The holiday also commemorates the shared harvest meal between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Native Americans in 1621, often considered the “First Thanksgiving.” While the history of the relationship between Native Americans and European settlers is complex and sometimes controversial, the story of Thanksgiving has evolved into a symbol of cooperation, unity, and abundance.
When is Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States. For 2024, Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 28. In Canada, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday in October, reflecting the earlier harvest season in the northern regions.
Traditions Today: How is Thanksgiving Celebrated?
Modern Thanksgiving celebrations combine age-old traditions with contemporary practices. Here are some of the key traditions that continue to define Thanksgiving today:
Thanksgiving Dinner: The turkey is the centerpiece of most Thanksgiving meals, with stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie as typical accompaniments. For many, the meal is a time for the whole family to gather, eat together, and enjoy each other’s company.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: Since 1924, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been a Thanksgiving morning tradition for many Americans. The parade features giant balloon characters, elaborate floats, live performances, and the arrival of Santa Claus, signaling the start of the Christmas season.
Thanksgiving Football: Football games are another beloved Thanksgiving tradition. The NFL hosts several games on Thanksgiving Day, providing entertainment for fans and casual viewers alike.
Giving Back: Many people celebrate Thanksgiving by giving back to their communities. Volunteering at food banks, participating in charity runs (often called “Turkey Trots”), and donating to those in need are popular ways to make the holiday more meaningful.
Black Friday Preparation: Although it happens the day after Thanksgiving, many people start preparing for Black Friday shopping on Thanksgiving itself. Black Friday is known for offering massive discounts, and some people plan their holiday shopping while enjoying their Thanksgiving dinner.
Who Do You Celebrate Thanksgiving With?
Thanksgiving is traditionally a family-centered holiday, and it is typically celebrated with close family members. However, it has become increasingly common to celebrate with extended family, friends, and even neighbors. The idea of “Friendsgiving” has become popular in recent years, where groups of friends gather for their own Thanksgiving-style meal, either in addition to or instead of a traditional family gathering.
For those who live far from their families, or who may not be able to travel for the holiday, Thanksgiving can be celebrated with local friends or through virtual gatherings. Ultimately, Thanksgiving is about the people you care for, whether they are related by blood or by bond.
What is Thanksgiving a Time For?
Thanksgiving is a time for reflection, gratitude, and connection. It’s a time to slow down, appreciate the good things in life, and share those moments with loved ones. The holiday encourages people to focus on what they are thankful for—whether it’s family, health, financial stability, or simply the joy of being together.
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, Thanksgiving serves as a reminder to pause and express gratitude for both the big and small blessings. For many, it is also a time to reconnect with family traditions and create new memories.
The Origin of Thanksgiving
The origin of Thanksgiving in the United States is rooted in the story of the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people. In 1621, the Pilgrims, who had settled in Plymouth, Massachusetts, after their perilous journey on the Mayflower, shared a meal with the Wampanoag Native Americans to celebrate their first successful harvest.
This event is often referred to as the “First Thanksgiving,” although there were similar celebrations of thanks by various cultures long before this event. The Pilgrims’ feast lasted for three days and included dishes such as wildfowl, venison, fish, and local harvests.
Thanksgiving continued to be celebrated by various colonies and states over the next few centuries. However, it wasn’t until 1863, during the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday. Lincoln’s proclamation was influenced by Sarah Josepha Hale, who had written letters to politicians for years advocating for a national day of thanksgiving.
Today, Thanksgiving has evolved beyond its original religious and cultural roots to become a secular holiday that celebrates gratitude, family, and togetherness.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is a holiday deeply woven into the fabric of American culture. While its origins are tied to historical events, the meaning of Thanksgiving has broadened over time. Now, it’s a day to reflect on gratitude, spend time with loved ones, and partake in beloved traditions such as the Thanksgiving feast, the Macy’s Parade, and football. Whether you celebrate with family or friends, Thanksgiving offers a special opportunity to pause, give thanks, and create lasting memories.
