1. A National Holiday

Thanksgiving Day has been an annual tradition since 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln declared it a national holiday. Since then, it has been celebrated every year on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States. This holiday is a time for families and friends to come together and give thanks for the blessings of the past year. It is also a time to enjoy a traditional feast of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.

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2. The First Thanksgiving Celebrated in the New World

The first Thanksgiving celebrated in the New World was held in 1621 by the Pilgrims, who had just harvested their first crops in the Americas. This event, which has become a cornerstone of American culture, was attended by the Pilgrims, the Wampanoag tribe, and Governor William Bradford. The feast lasted for three days and included a variety of dishes, such as wildfowl, venison, fish, lobster, clams, berries, fruit, pumpkin, and squash. The Pilgrims and Wampanoag tribe celebrated their successful harvest with a joyous feast, and the tradition of Thanksgiving has been celebrated in the United States ever since.

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3. Government workers get a day off to celebrate

Thanksgiving Day is a Federal holiday in the United States, meaning that all government offices are closed and employees are paid for the day. This is a great opportunity for government workers to spend time with their families and friends, or to take a much-needed break from their daily routines. It's also a great time for Americans to reflect on the things they are thankful for and to celebrate the many blessings in their lives.

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4. Financial Markets Close for Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Day is a special holiday for the financial sector, as the New York Stock Exchange and most other financial markets and financial services companies close for the day. This gives investors and traders a chance to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the markets and enjoy the holiday with family and friends.

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5. First Thanksgiving: Explorers Celebrate in US, 16th Century

Thanksgiving Day is a holiday celebrated in the United States, but its roots can be traced back to the 16th century when Spanish explorers conducted the first documented thanksgiving feasts in what is now the United States. These feasts were held to give thanks for successful harvests and other blessings, and the tradition has been carried on for centuries. Today, Thanksgiving Day is celebrated with family gatherings, feasts, and parades, and is a time to give thanks for all the blessings in life.

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6. President pardons turkey on Thanksgiving

In 1989, the practice of pardoning turkeys on Thanksgiving Day became a permanent tradition. Every year since then, the President of the United States has pardoned a turkey, sparing it from being served as a holiday meal. This symbolic gesture is meant to remind us of the importance of showing gratitude and compassion, especially during the holiday season.

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7. Congress Declares Thanksgiving Day

In 1942, the U.S. Congress officially declared Thanksgiving Day to be celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. This resolution was passed on October 6th, 1941, by both houses of Congress, thus solidifying the traditional last-Thursday date for the holiday. This resolution was a major milestone in the history of Thanksgiving Day, as it ensured that the holiday would be celebrated on the same day each year.

Also → Veterans Day: A Holiday to Honor the Brave

8. A Day of Celebration and Football

Thanksgiving Day in the United States is a day of celebration and family gatherings, and for many, it's also a day to watch American football. Professional football games are held on Thanksgiving Day each year, making it a popular tradition for many families to gather around the television and cheer on their favorite teams. Whether it's the NFL or college football, Thanksgiving Day is a great time to enjoy the sport with friends and family.

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9. 4th Thursday in November: Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Day is a major holiday in the United States, celebrated annually on the fourth Thursday of November. It is a federal and public holiday, meaning that all government offices, schools, and businesses are closed on this day. Thanksgiving is a time for families and friends to come together and give thanks for the blessings of the past year. It is also a time for feasting, with traditional dishes such as roast turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.

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10. Thanksgiving: Together in Gratitude

Thanksgiving is one of the most beloved holidays of the year, celebrated by millions of people around the world. It is part of the broader holiday season, which includes Christmas and New Year, and is a time for families and friends to come together and give thanks for all that they have. Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States and Canada, and is marked by a traditional feast of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. It is a time for reflection, gratitude, and celebration, and is a reminder of the importance of family and friends.

Also → Christmas: The holiday with roots in Eastern Christianity