Celebrating Thanksgiving Nov 27th, 2025

Thanksgiving is a national holiday celebrated primarily in the United States and Canada, with origins tracing back to early colonial times. It is traditionally a time to give thanks for the harvest and blessings of the past year.

History:
The most commonly referenced origin of Thanksgiving in the United States dates to 1621, when the Pilgrims at Plymouth Colony shared a feast with the Wampanoag Native Americans after their first successful harvest. This event is often regarded as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations, though days of thanksgiving and harvest festivals were common among various cultures for centuries.

In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday to be celebrated on the final Thursday of November, aiming to unify the country during the Civil War. Later, in 1941, the U.S. Congress officially established Thanksgiving as the fourth Thursday in November.

Common Traditions:

• Thanksgiving Meal: Central to the holiday is a large meal, often including roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. (Traditional Holiday Foods and Their Recipes, read more)
• Family Gatherings: Thanksgiving is a time for families and friends to come together, often traveling long distances to celebrate.
• Parades: Many cities host Thanksgiving Day parades featuring floats, marching bands, and performances, with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City being one of the most famous.
• Football: Watching NFL games has become a popular Thanksgiving tradition for many.
• Expressions of Gratitude: People often take time to share what they are thankful for, reflecting the holiday’s original purpose.
• Volunteerism: Many participate in charitable activities, such as serving meals to the homeless or donating to food drives.

Thanksgiving continues to be a deeply rooted cultural and social event, emphasizing gratitude, community, and the celebration of abundance.