Thanksgiving Day in the United States is perhaps one of the most dearly loved holidays of them all, combining history, tradition, and togetherness. This year, it falls on November 28. Thanksgiving 2024 promises to be a day of family reunions, feasts, and thanksgiving.
A Brief History of Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving has its beginnings way back in 1621, when the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag came to share a harvest feast at Plymouth, Massachusetts. Yet it was not until 1863 that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed it a national holiday during the American Civil War. He proclaimed Thanksgiving to be the last Thursday of November, making this day a time to give thanks as well as unite together.
The Thanksgiving tradition has been changing with the ages, but the essence of being grateful is still the heart of the celebration. Here is how people celebrate today:
Family Gatherings: Family members travel long distances to spend the day together, sharing stories and enjoying each other’s company.
The Thanksgiving Feast: The meal usually consists of turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. Each dish has a story, with turkey being the star symbol of abundance.
Parades: The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York is one of the biggest, highlighting giant balloons, live entertainment, and floats.
The football games on the NFL’s Thanksgiving Day are one of the treasured activities by households.
Giving Back: Activities involved in volunteering at shelters or even collecting food are part of it, as charitable acts give importance to the spirit of Thanksgiving in general.
Novelties in Thanksgiving 2024
The changing lifestyle has made Thanksgiving more inclusive yet innovative.
Friendsgiving: The gathering with friends has become the other alternative, usually held in the days leading up to Thanksgiving.
Plant-Based Options: More and more vegan and vegetarian Thanksgiving menus are appearing these days, featuring dishes like nut roasts and tofu turkey.
Global Flavours: Most homes infuse international cuisine into this traditional celebration, combining flavours from the past and worldwide for a more diverse feast.
Thanksgiving Challenges
It is not without its challenges, however, for this joyous occasion.
Travel Woes: The holiday falls during one of the busiest travel seasons of the year, with crowded airports and traffic jams.
Cost of Living: Inflation makes hosting a traditional feast expensive, which leads to creative meal planning.
Environmental Impact: From food waste to energy consumption, there is growing awareness about making Thanksgiving more sustainable.
How to Have a Great Thanksgiving
Plan Ahead: Prepare menus, decorations, and travel arrangements early to avoid last-minute stress.
Go Green: Use reusable dishware and compost food waste.
Engage Everyone: Get all family members involved in cooking, decorating, or planning activities.
Create New Traditions: Introduce unique activities, such as a family gratitude circle or a Thanksgiving trivia game.
Thanksgiving Beyond the Table
Thanksgiving is more than feasting. It is the day to reflect on blessings, be thankful, and share love with those in need. Such acts as writing thank-you notes, sharing meals with neighbours, or participating in community drives enrich the spirit of the holiday.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving 2024 is an opportunity to celebrate togetherness, honoured traditions, and embracing gratitude. Enjoy a classic turkey dinner, cheer on your favourite football team, or find new ways to celebrate—what hasn’t changed is the essence of Thanksgiving: to appreciate what’s good in our lives and share that with other people.
