Thanksgiving Day is a national holiday in the United States and Canada, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. In the United States, it is a federal holiday, while in Canada, it is a provincial and territorial holiday. Thanksgiving is a time for people to give thanks for the blessings of the past year.


History of Thanksgiving

In the United States, Thanksgiving is a reminder of the Pilgrims' feast of thanks in 1621. The Pilgrims were a group of English Puritans who arrived in Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1620. They had a difficult first year in the New World, and many of them died from disease and starvation. However, they managed to harvest a bountiful crop in the fall of 1621, and they decided to celebrate with a feast. The Pilgrims invited the Wampanoag Indians, who had helped them to survive, to join them in the feast. This feast is considered to be the first Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving was not celebrated on a regular basis until the American Civil War. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declared a national day of Thanksgiving to be held on the last Thursday of November. This was in response to the Union victories at the battles of Gettysburg and Vicksburg.

Since then, Thanksgiving has been celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November every year. It is a time for people to gather with their families and friends, eat a traditional Thanksgiving meal, and give thanks for their blessings.

Thanksgiving Traditions

Many people have traditional Thanksgiving activities that they do every year. Some of these traditions include:

  • Eating a Thanksgiving meal: The traditional Thanksgiving meal includes turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy, and pumpkin pie.
  • Watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade: The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a traditional New York City event that is broadcast live on television. The parade features giant balloons, marching bands, and celebrities.
  • Playing football: Football is a popular Thanksgiving Day activity. Many people watch professional football games or play touch football with their families.
  • Volunteering: Many people volunteer their time at soup kitchens or other organizations on Thanksgiving Day.

Thanksgiving is a time for people to reflect on the things they are grateful for. It is a time to appreciate the good things in life and to spend time with loved ones.

Here are some things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving:

  • Your family and friends: Your loved ones are the most important people in your life.
  • Your health: Your health is a precious gift.
  • Your home: Your home is a place of comfort and safety.
  • Your food: You have enough food to eat.
  • Your freedom: You live in a country where you have freedom of speech, religion, and assembly.

Thanksgiving is a time for giving thanks. It is a time to express your gratitude for the blessings in your life.

Here are some ways to give thanks this Thanksgiving:

  • Tell your loved ones how much you appreciate them.
  • Write a letter of thanks to someone who has helped you.
  • Donate to your favorite charity.
  • Volunteer your time to help others.
  • Simply take a moment to reflect on the things you are grateful for.

Thanksgiving is a special time of year. It is a time for family, friends, food, and gratitude. Make the most of this Thanksgiving by spending time with the people you love and by giving thanks for the blessings in your life.