About Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States (and the second Monday of October in Canada), is one of the most cherished family holidays of the year. At its heart, it is a day for gathering with loved ones, sharing an abundant meal, and expressing genuine gratitude for the good things in life. The Thanksgiving table is one of the most iconic images in American culture — laden with roast turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie. Beyond the feast, the day carries meaningful traditions of community, generosity, and reflection that many families observe with personal rituals year after year.
History & Origins
The story of Thanksgiving is most commonly traced to a three-day harvest feast in 1621 between the Pilgrim settlers of Plymouth Colony and members of the Wampanoag Nation, held in what is now Massachusetts. However, many Indigenous peoples note that the history surrounding Thanksgiving is complex and contested. Thanksgiving became a recurring celebration in various colonies throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed it a national holiday in 1863 during the Civil War as a unifying gesture, and the fourth Thursday of November was fixed by Congress in 1941.
Common Traditions
- ▸Preparing and sharing a large Thanksgiving meal centered on roast turkey
- ▸Gathering with extended family — often involving significant travel
- ▸Going around the table to share what each person is grateful for
- ▸Watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on television
- ▸Enjoying NFL Thanksgiving Day games as a family
- ▸Volunteering at food banks and community organizations to give back