One of the best-loved holidays in the United States, Thanksgiving reminds people to slow down and be grateful for life’s blessings. Often marked on the fourth Thursday of November, Thanksgiving marks the time to come together with family, indulge in sumptuous meals, and hold together as one to stop the fast-paced rhythm of modern life. We work our way toward Thanksgiving Day 2024. Let’s now explore the history, traditions, and global celebrations of this holiday.
A Short History of Thanksgiving in America.
The origins of Thanksgiving in America date back to the early 1600s, when the Pilgrims and Native Americans gave thanks before the Almighty for a bountiful harvest. Many people consider this event the “First Thanksgiving,” yet it was not the Thanksgiving we know today.
During the early years of the United States, each state or community observed Thanksgiving on a different day. In 1863, at the urging of writer Sarah Josepha Hale, President Abraham Lincoln officially declared Thanksgiving a national holiday. He chose the final Thursday of November for its observance, hoping to unite a country torn apart by civil war. But it wasn’t until 1941, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a bill standardizing Thanksgiving as the fourth Thursday in November, that the holiday found its official place in the American calendar.
Contemporary Observances of Thanksgiving
Whereas early Thanksgiving practices focused on feasting to celebrate the harvest, contemporary observances involve much more. Here is a rundown of what Thanksgiving Day looks like for most Americans:
1. The Feast
The Thanksgiving meal is the main event, centered around a huge turkey. Other favorites include stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, green beans, and pumpkin pie. Each family may have special recipes or even dishes that contribute to their Thanksgiving traditions.
2. Time with family.
For many, Thanksgiving serves as a time to reconnect with family. With Thanksgiving Thursday as the opening day of a four-day weekend, people travel all over to be with their loved ones. The holiday is about gathering together, sharing some meals, and catching up on stuff from long months before.
3. Parades and football.
Besides feasting and family, Thanksgiving parades and football games are also well-known. Probably the best-known parade is Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, held since 1924 as part of the holiday. It features giant character balloons, floats, marching bands, and even live celebrity performances. Instead of watching television, football fans park themselves to catch NFL games, with the Detroit Lions traditionally playing on Thanksgiving and the Dallas Cowboys playing on Thanksgiving every year except for occasional conflicts with Christmas Eve games.
4. Giving back.
Giving back is also one of the most crucial practices of Thanksgiving. On this day, many people participate in volunteer activities, such as serving at soup kitchens or delivering food items, with the aim of providing a Thanksgiving meal to those in greater need. Kindness and charity reflect the holiday spirit.
Thanksgiving Around the World
Although Thanksgiving is a uniquely American holiday, many other countries also celebrate it. Here’s a look at how each country celebrates the holiday:
Canada: The second Monday in October marks the celebration of Canadian Thanksgiving. Like their cousins in the south, Canadians spend the day with family and often celebrate with a turkey dinner, expressing gratitude for the harvest. However, the holiday is quieter, less spectacular, and does not coincide with a major football event.
Liberia: In the west African nation of Liberia, founded by freed American slaves, Thanksgiving occurs on the first Thursday of November. Liberia shares all the trappings of American Thanksgiving, including feasting and expressions of gratitude, but it also deeply connects to the country’s history and its relationship to America.
Saint Lucia and Grenada, two Caribbean islands, observe Thanksgiving at different times. Saint Lucia celebrates Thanksgiving on the first Monday in October, while Grenada commemorates the American invasion of 1983, which restored order after a coup overthrew the government.
Thanksgiving 2024: Don’t Miss It.
Thanksgiving Day 2024 falls on Thursday, November 28, marking it as the 333rd day of the year. With just a little over one and a half months left for the holiday, you have ample time to plan your menu, travel arrangements, or volunteer effort. As always, the holiday comes at a point during which people take time to reflect on the year that is just about to end and look forward to the holiday season ahead.
Interesting Facts About Thanksgiving
Turkey Troubles: Each Thanksgiving, more than 46 million turkeys are consumed. The tradition of the U.S. president pardoning a turkey dates back to the mid-20th century. The first formal pardon came at the hands of President George H. W. Bush in 1989.
Leftover Love: For many, Thanksgiving leftovers bring perhaps one of the holiday’s highlights—at least for several days after the big feast, as turkey sandwiches, soups, and casseroles dominate the menu.
Busiest Travel Day: During Thanksgiving, tens of millions of people take to the roads and board aeroplanes for family gatherings, making it one of the busiest travel days of the year in the US.
Football Frenzy: The first NFL game on Thanksgiving Day was between the Detroit Lions and the Chicago Bears in 1934, a tradition they continue to this day.
How to Celebrate Thanksgiving 2024
If you’re looking for ways to make this Thanksgiving unique, consider the following ideas:
Try a New Recipe: While the old standbys are great, new dishes can add some excitement to your Thanksgiving meal. Maybe it’s a new stuffing or creative dessert. It keeps traditions fresh.
Get Creative with Leftovers: Don’t just settle for turkey sandwiches. Use your leftovers to make fun dishes like turkey pot pie, turkey chili, or even turkey nachos.
Practice gratitude: Take some time to reflect on what you’re thankful for this year. Whether that’s through a journal, a gratitude circle with family, or just taking a moment to reflect, practicing gratitude makes the holiday even more meaningful.
Volunteer: Engage in volunteer work to contribute to the community. You could serve food at a shelter, donate canned goods to the annual food drive, or assist an elderly neighbor. All these ways of spreading kindness go a long way in making Thanksgiving feel meaningful.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving 2024 will be a time for reflection, gratitude, and spending quality time with loved ones. Whether you spend the day surrounded by family, cheering on your favorite football team, volunteering, or just enjoying a fantastic meal, it is all about stopping and appreciating the good in life. As November 28th approaches, plan how you’ll celebrate and optimize this American tradition.
