Thanksgiving is an annual holiday celebrated in the United States and Canada, usually on the fourth Thursday in November in the US and the second Monday in October in Canada. The holiday is an opportunity for people to give thanks for the blessings and good fortune they have received throughout the year.
The origins of Thanksgiving stems back to the early days of the United States, when the Pilgrims, a group of English settlers, held a feast to give thanks for a harvest in the autumn of 1621. The feast was attended by Native American guests, who had helped the Pilgrims survive their first year in the New World. The feast lasted for three days! Including wild turkey, venison, fish, and other foods that had been harvested from the land! The event was not called Thanksgiving at the time, but it is now considered to be the first Thanksgiving in North America. The tradition of holding a Thanksgiving feast spread throughout America, and eventually became a national holiday.
Today, Thanksgiving is a time for families and friends to gather together and enjoy a meal. The centerpiece of the meal is often a roasted turkey, along with side dishes such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. Many families also enjoy traditional desserts like pumpkin pie or pecan pie.
In addition to the feast, Thanksgiving is a time for reflection and gratitude. Many people take the opportunity to think about the things they are thankful for, such as good health, loving relationships and fulfilling careers. It is also a time to give back to those in need, by volunteering at a local charity or donating to a worthy cause. Something I was surprised by is that gifts are traditionally given! However, it may be a good idea to bring a gift for your host or Hostess. This acts as a way of thanking for a great meal and great company!
One of the most popular Thanksgiving traditions is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which has been held in New York City since 1924! The parade features giant helium balloons of popular cartoon characters, as well as floats, marching bands, and other performers. The parade is watched by millions of people both in person and on television.
Another popular tradition is American football. The National Football League (NFL) has played games on Thanksgiving Day since the 1920s, and the tradition continues to this day. Many families gather around the television to watch the games and root for their favourite teams.
While Thanksgiving is primarily celebrated in North America, there are similar holidays in other parts of the world. For example, in Liberia, the Thanksgiving holiday is celebrated on the first Thursday of November and is known as National Thanksgiving Day. In Grenada, the holiday is celebrated on October 25 and is known as Thanksgiving Day.