For many Americans, the Thanksgiving holiday is a time to gather with family and friends, enjoy a traditional meal, and give thanks for all the blessings in their lives. Today, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, and it is typically a day for families to come together, enjoy a feast of turkey and other hearty dishes, and watch football or other sporting events. For many people, the Thanksgiving holiday is also a time to reflect on the things they are grateful for in their lives. Whatever your plans for Thanksgiving may be, it is sure to be a day filled with family, food, and fun.
HISTORY OF THANKSGIVING
The Thanksgiving holiday has its roots in the 1621 feast shared by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Indians. The Pilgrims, a group of English Puritans who had fled religious persecution in their homeland, had arrived in North America the previous year. After a harsh winter left many of them dead, they were welcomed by the Wampanoags, who helped them to survive. The two groups decided to celebrate their good fortune with a feast, and it is believed that this event gave rise to the modern Thanksgiving holiday. In 1789, George Washington issued a proclamation declaring Thanksgiving to be a national day of Thanksgiving. And in 1863, Abraham Lincoln made it an official holiday. Today, Thanksgiving is celebrated as a day of family togetherness and gratitude. Whether or not you have your own personal reasons to give thanks, the history of this holiday is something we can all be thankful for.
FIVE THINGS ABOUT THANKSGIVING
- Thanksgiving originated with the Pilgrims, who gave thanks for their safe passage to the New World.
- The first Thanksgiving was held in 1621 and was a three-day feast that included wild game, shellfish, and pumpkin pie.
- Turkey became the traditional main dish of Thanksgiving in the 1800s.
- President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863.
- More than 50 million turkeys are consumed each year on Thanksgiving!
HOW TO CELEBRATE THANKSGIVING
- Create a gratitude jar – purchase one for each guest/family.
- Give Kind Notes.
- Amazing Pioneer Woman Thanksgiving recipes.
- 42 Best Thanksgiving Games.
- Volunteer at Thanksgiving!
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Do you have any ideas about how to celebrate this day? Please share them!
