If you’re planning on spending Thanksgiving in the United States, you’ll want to learn about the holiday’s history as well as some of the customs and traditions that are popular today. We’ve gathered some of the most important Thanksgiving Day facts, as well as some quotes and deals we think you’ll enjoy.
What is Thanksgiving?
This means expressing gratitude to all your loved ones who have backed you in all your tough times. On this day, you can meet and greet all your near ones to share love and celebrate the day by sharing gifts, taking them out for a meal, and more.
Thanksgiving was traditionally a time to celebrate with family and friends and to prepare for the winter months ahead by gathering food stockpiles. Today’s celebrations typically involve gathering with loved ones for meals followed by various festivities such as gift-giving, pumpkin carving, football-watching, parties, etc.
The feast usually consists of classic American dishes like turkey or ham but can also be varied depending on what ingredients are available in your area at that particular time. There may also be plenty of sides including yams or collard greens stuffing, sweet potatoes or pie crusts made from mashed sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce made from real cranberries (not blue dye), green beans cooked, and more. The key to all the celebrations includes cooking a giant turkey, along recipes we mentioned above. According to the National Turkey Federation, about 90% of Americans eat the bird on this day.
The History of Thanksgiving Day
The history of Thanksgiving Day is wonderful and fascinating. To distinguish it from the Canadian holiday of the same name, it is often observed on the fourth Thursday of November each year and is called American Thanksgiving. As of this day, Christmas and the New Year are considered to be the official start of the fall-winter holiday season in America.
- Back in 1621, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Native Americans took part in the autumn harvest feast that is today acknowledged as one of the first Thanksgiving merrymaking in the colonies. This celebration lasted for three days with about 150 people in attendance.
- In 1623, the pilgrims observed the second Thanksgiving celebrations to mark the end of a long drought that threatened the ongoing year’s harvest. It prompted Governor Bradford to call for a religious fast, after which fasting and merrymaking became a common practice in the country and other settlements in New England on an annual basis.
- Post such developments, the day of thanksgiving was observed for more than two centuries by different individual colonies and states to thank God for his blessings, harvests, victories on the battlefield, or for the end of a drought. People also met in large congregations and held church services accompanied by feasts, worship, etc.
- In 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln declared that the national Thanksgiving Day will be celebrated on the final Thursday of November, every year.
- In 1939, Franklin D Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States made changes to the day of celebrations up for a week in a bid to incentivize retail sales during the Great Depression. However, the opposition hit out at his plan and termed it ‘Franksgiving’, which eventually forced Roosevelt to sign a Bill to officially celebrate Thanksgiving Day on the fourth Thursday of November.
When is Thanksgiving Day Celebrated?
In the United States, Thanksgiving Day is observed annually on the fourth Thursday in November. Thanksgiving will be observed this year on November 24. The day is observed on various dates in numerous nations, including Canada, Liberia, Saint Lucia, and Grenada. Germany and Japan both observe holidays with similar names. Even though its historical roots are in religious customs, it is currently observed as a secular holiday.
What is “The Harvest Festival of Thanks”?
The Harvest of Festivals, also known as Erntedankfest, is celebrated in a number of nations, including Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. This holiday often doesn’t involve massive gatherings and feasts like those held in the United States. The celebrations have a stronger religious component. The creation of food displays, which are used to decorate churches and other buildings, is one of the most important aspects of this celebration.
The main motive of organizing such a festival was to celebrate thanksgiving and gratitude, and it is a day when people from all walks of life come together to give back. During this festive occasion, volunteers distribute food to the needy, conduct free health screenings, provide clothes or furniture to those in need, collect donations for charity events, and more.
How To Celebrate Thanksgiving Day – The Traditions
1.The Turkey
The turkey bird is the centerpiece of Thanksgiving celebrations in the United States. Thanksgiving meal is colloquially known as the “turkey dinner” and 40 million entire turkeys are consumed on this day each year in the United States alone. The custom of pardoning the turkey on the morning of the holiday is also followed by every President of the United States of America. Since George H.W. Bush’s administration, this has been customary or a tradition.
2.The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Every year, Macy’s hosts the largest Thanksgiving Day parade in the world, which is traditionally hosted in New York City and is followed by other festivities. The event, which was first staged in 1924 by a group of company employees, will take place on Thursday, November 24, 2022, in Manhattan beginning at 9 AM ET. Starting at West 77th Street and Canal Park West, Central Park, and concluding at Macy’s Herald Square, the procession travels a 2.5-mile course across New York City.
3.The Feast
As said, the centerpiece of the Thanksgiving feast is usually turkey, but there are many other dishes that can be enjoyed such as stuffing, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, cranberry, green beans with bacon or ham hocks, etc.
4.Breaking The Wishbone
The turkey’s wishbone is typically broken as part of Thanksgiving traditions in most families. In the turkey’s chest, the wishbone is found affixed to the breast meat. The wishbone becomes dry and brittle once the meat has been separated from it. Two people then exchange the ends of the bone by exchanging wishes. Whoever gets the larger portion of the bone gets what they wish.
5.Sharing Is Caring
Many people dedicate this day to helping those who are less fortunate than themselves and in need of assistance. Volunteers give their time to help the homeless by providing them with food, groceries, clothes, and other items. Additionally, free medical care camps are set up all throughout the US.
Why is Thanksgiving Day a National Holiday in the USA?
Thanksgiving is a day that celebrates the harvest and thankfulness. Americans have long regarded this holiday as a time to come together and celebrate their culture while sharing food with their friends and family. Besides this, they decorate their homes, share gifts, and also enjoy a hearty Thanksgiving meal that includes turkey, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, yams or potatoes roasted in butter or oil, and bread stuffing.
Fun Thanksgiving Day Facts
Not Turkey
Turkey was not the preferred choice at the first Thanksgiving Day celebrations. Oysters, goose, duck, venison, eel, and fish were served alongside cranberries and pumpkins.
17 Years & Countless Letters
Sarah Josepha Hale, the author of “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” wrote letters to Abraham Lincoln for 17 years before she successfully persuaded him to make Thanksgiving a federal holiday.
Turkey Towns
There are four towns named ‘Turkey’ in the United States. They are found in Texas, Arizona, North Carolina, and Louisiana.
Calories
According to the Calorie Control Council, Americans take in nearly 4,500 calories at their Thanksgiving celebrations.
November – Not At All!!!
Originally, Thanksgiving Day wasn’t celebrated in November. According to some historians, the actual celebrations took place in mid-October.
Plumbers, Please???
This sounds bizarre, but the day after Thanksgiving Day is an especially busy, and hectic one for plumbers, and drain companies. The potato peels, rice, and a lot of food waste clog the drains.
20 Impressive gifts for Thanksgiving host
There are many different types of gifts that could be a perfect fit for someone who is preparing to host Thanksgiving. Here are top 20 gift ideas:
- A cookbook or guide to classic Thanksgiving recipes – This can help the host in preparation and ensure that the meal is delicious and memorable.
- Home cooking tools – This can include utensils, gadgets, oven mitts, etc., which will make preparation much easier and less time-consuming.
- Wine collection – If wine is not your personal drink of choice, this gift may still be appreciated as it provides another beverage option for guests during the holiday season.
- Chocolatiers Signature Collection Box – It is a great gift for someone who loves chocolate. This special box contains delicious chocolates that are made with unique and intricate flavors, perfect for thanksgiving.
- Round Glass Storage Set – It is perfect for the host who has a lot of cookware on hand, or anyone who likes to decorate their kitchen in style. This set comes with four beautiful glass storage jars that can be used to store all sorts of things, from herbs and spices to nuts and seeds.
- Blender – This small kitchen item is an essential kitchen gadget, and is an excellent gift for health-concious Thanksgiving host. It makes quick work of smoothies, cocktails, or other drinks.
- A crockpot – This is a great gift if your friend is already on board with healthy eating habits, or if they’re just looking for an easy way to prepare meals. It makes preparing meal a breeze!
- An electric turkey cooker/fryer – If you’re looking to up the ante a bit and have everyone excited for Thanksgiving, then get them an electric turkey cooker. They will love being able to cook their bird themselves without all the fuss!
- A mug with a personalized message – This unique gift can show how much you care about your host, and it can be personalized using any text or photo.
- A spoon set – Is a great gift for someone who loves to cook and needs spoons for different cooking tasks
- A spice set – Can be ideal if the person you’re buying it for likes to cook wide range of cuisines.
- Oven mitts – This is another great gift idea because they come in handy no matter what type of cooking the recipient does! A regular oven glove doesn’t do much protection against burns and other injuries, so this is a valuable addition to their kitchen arsenal.
- Home baking supplies – Cookies, cake mixes, bagels… You name it! Hosts love getting homemade goodies on occasion (or every day!), so why not pack some simple ingredients along with relevant recipe instructions for easy home baking goodness?
- Cheese knife set – This happens to be a great gift for anyone who loves to eat cheese. Even if they don’t cook, this set will come in handy when it comes time to slice and dice those delicious bits of cheese.
- Temperature Control Smart Mug – An amazing mug that controls your drink temperature is perfect for sipping on your favorite hot beverage, while keeping your hands warm and cozy!
- Gratitude tree – This heartfelt gift can be placed anywhere within the home as a reminder of why we’re thankful. It’s also a fun way to get everyone involved!
- Gratitude journal – Whether you give one as a present or have guests write down their thoughts on paper, this thoughtful gesture will help them reflect on their happy moments throughout the year. Thankfulness may just become contagious!
- A linen candle – These soft-burning candles remind us of all the good things in life and make any space feel cozy and welcoming (especially during those long family gatherings).
- Glass cocktail shaker – Is a beautiful addition that can be used in many different ways – from making delicious cocktails on Thanksgiving night to entertaining guests after dinner.
- Photo gallery collage puzzle – Create an amazing photo collage as your host’s personal tribute to all of the wonderful memories shared at this special occasion. With rich colors and plenty of photos from past Thanksgivings combined with lovely new shots commemorating this year’s festivities, this masterpiece will be cherished forever!
10 Wonderful Places To Spend Thanksgiving
On this Thanksgiving, we’ve put together a list of the top places to go and spend time with your loved ones.
1. Lake Placid, New York
Lake Placid, New York is a wonderful place to spend Thanksgiving. Not only is the town home to Olympic Stadium (the Winter Olumpics were held in 1932, and 1980 here) and many historic attractions, but it’s also nestled among the beautiful Adirondack Mountains. One can fish, bike, camp, or even hike in the area.
2. Santa Barbara, California
Santa Barbara is definitely a wonderful place to spend Thanksgiving. This city has been called the American Riviera and it’s easy to see why. From its beautiful beaches and stunning vineyards to its rich history and world-class restaurants, there is plenty for visitors to enjoy during their stay in Santa Barbara.
3. Honolulu, Hawaii
This place is known for its warm weather and beautiful scenery – perfect conditions for enjoying Thanksgiving Day! The island also offers plenty of activities such as golfing or whale watching during your stay. If you are the one willing to fly to this beautiful island, then you should know all the offers that are in store for you, especially the best time to book flights for affordable options.
4. Boston, Massachusetts
If you’re looking for an international atmosphere with all the classic American traditions, Boston should definitely be on your list. This historic city has some fantastic dining options, including lots of restaurants specializing in Thanksgiving fare (or any other type of cuisine). And – don’t forget about Fenway Park, one of the popular tourist attractions.
5. Killington, Vermont
Killington is a beautiful place to spend Thanksgiving in America. The town is known for its picturesque snow-capped peaks and lovely glens. It’s also home to the Killington ski resort, which offers plenty of activities for those who are looking to enjoy some family fun on this special day. There are several restaurants that offer delicious traditional Thanksgiving dishes, as well as unique options that you won’t find anywhere else. This place is know best known for having the boldest shades of yellows, reds, and oranges.
6. Long Beach, California
Long Beach has a long history as a holiday destination, and thanks to its warm weather and diverse cultural attractions, it’s sure to be an memorable experience for everyone who attends. There are loads of spots to eat inside or outside, including some delicious Thanksgiving options that will have your stomachs thanking you later on. And if you’re looking for something fun to do while you’re in town, check out famous shopping spots like Shoreline Village or Bixby Knolls where you can find all sorts of festive goodies.
7. Grapevine, Texas
This city has a long history of hosting the nation’s largest holiday celebration and it doesn’t seem to be losing steam anytime soon. Also known as the “Christmas Capital of Texas,” Grapevine boasts an impressive array of attractions that are perfect for tourists and locals alike, including the Grapevine Vintage Railroad, LEGOLAND, Texas Motor Speedway, and many more.
8. Kauai, Hawaii
For anyone wishing to enjoy Thanksgiving, Kauai is a wonderland. Views of the sunrise and hiking routes through rainforest valleys are just a couple of the island’s many attractions and activities that will make your vacation special. Moreover, a lot of eateries serve creative dishes honouring American tradition. Consider booking a stay in one of Kauai’s lovely homes or cottages if you’re searching for something more intimate. These accommodations are ideal for gathering with loved ones and exploring everything that this breathtaking place has to offer.
9. Aspen, Colorado
Aspen is a beautiful town located in the Rocky Mountains, and it is perfect for spending Thanksgiving. The location provides stunning views of the surrounding peaks while living in an upscale environment. There are many restaurants and venues that will accommodate your needs during this special holiday, and you can even take advantage of special deals that typically go up during this time. In addition, Aspen offers plenty to do whether it’s skiing or hiking. When all was said and done, Aspen should definitely be on your list of places to spend Thanksgiving!
10. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
This stunning valley is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in America and features plenty of activities such as hiking, horseback riding, skiing, fishing, cycling (including rentals), kayaking/canoeing/sailing…the list goes on! And if that’s not enough, downtown Jackson provides an array of restaurants and shops perfect for celebrating this special holiday.
Top Thanksgiving Day Wishes
Here’s a list of the best Thanksgiving Day quotes, and wishes for your loved ones.
- Sending good wishes to you and your family this Thanksgiving! Good food that fills your table, good health as you work hard, and good times with the ones closest to you. May you have all the best joy in life. Happy Thanksgiving!
- Wishing you hope, good health, joy, peace, favor, and love on this Thanksgiving Day! Your connection is indeed a great blessing to me.
- My dear friend, Happy Thanksgiving to you! May all your tough grind bring color to your life and take you to the highest peak of success.
- November is the time to be thankful, a time to remember and embrace those who enrich our lives. I’m thankful for a lot of things in life, but I’m most thankful for you!
- Happy Thanksgiving my dear one! Out of everything I am so very thankful for this season, our friendship is at the top of the list.
- May the turkey leg be yours this Thanksgiving.
- I am so grateful that I have such a great family. Thank you so much for all the amazing things you have done for me and are about to do.
- Having somewhere to go is home. Having someone to love is family. Having both is a blessing. Happy Thanksgiving fam!!!
- Happy Thanksgiving to my favorite people ever! I wish I was able to be there, especially this year. I am missing you all more than ever and can’t wait until we can spend a holiday together again. All my love!
- May this year bring you a lot of hope and faith. I wish you happy holidays with your family and friends. I want to wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving Day Inspirational Quotes
“Gratitude is when memory is stored in the heart and not in the mind.”
Lionel Hampton
“The turkey. The sweet potatoes. The stuffing. The pumpkin pie. Is there anything else we all can agree so vehemently about? I don’t think so.”
Nora Ephron
“Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer.”
Maya Angelou
“True forgiveness is when you can say, ‘Thank you for that experience.'”
Oprah Winfrey
“I am happy because I’m grateful. I choose to be grateful. That gratitude allows me to be happy.”
Will Arnett
“Good mashed potato is one of the great luxuries of life.”
Lindsey Bareham
“Thanksgiving is the meal we aspire for other meals to resemble.”
Jonathan Safran Foer
“What I love about Thanksgiving is that it’s purely about getting together with friends or family and enjoying food. It’s really for everybody, and it doesn’t matter where you’re from.”
Daniel Humm
“There is always, always something to be thankful for.”
Unknown
“Thanksgiving is one of my favorite days of the year because it reminds us to give thanks and to count our blessings. Suddenly, so many things become so little when we realize how blessed and lucky we are.”
Joyce Giraud
Thanksgiving Day Deals 2022
This year’s Thanksgiving Day is going to be fantastic and promising, with thousands of deals from all of your favorite brands. You can shop for anything you can think of from all of these brands, including home decor, furnishings, groceries, gadgets, smartphones, electronics, and more, all at discounted prices. You can find all of the deals for the Thanksgiving Day sales in the section below, which will be updated with more sale-related offers and discounts, periodically.
Consumers spent $5.1 billion online in 2021, the same as in 2020. Video games and toys were among the most popular items sold. According to Salesforce data, the average discount on online stores was 27%, with an 11% increase in average order value. Brands are expecting more sales than ever before this year, and are said to be offering great deals for this special occasion.
Thanksgiving Electronics Deals
This is the ideal time to save even more money on all of your favorite electronic products. We are confident that you will enjoy these special offers, whether they are for Thanksgiving or pre-Black Friday. Here are some of the best deals up for grabs:
- Amazon: You can get all the latest Apple products for less than $50 compared to the regular price. Besides this, this leading eCommerce giant also has deals in categories like gaming accessories, computers, laptops, cameras, and more. For more saving options this season, you may also use coupons from Amazon.
- Verizon: The platform is offering a special offer on recently launched iPhones, and also other models with more than $400 off.
- Best Buy: Has special Thanksgiving offers on Apple watches, AirPods, mixers, big-screen TVs, and more. You can get up to 50% flat off using Best Buy promotional codes for this Thanksgiving, and Black Friday sales.
Thanksgiving Turkey & Grocery Sales
A number of stores offer a variety of deals on all your favorites for this holiday season, including the main meals, desserts, and appetizers. Considering the massive demand for turkeys, and the skyrocketing prices, we’ve come up with a list of popular stores that offer massive discounts on turkeys. Find more below…
- Walmart: Yes, Walmart is the first on our list you should consider for all your Thanksgiving turkey needs. The company carries a massive turkey sale every season and offers a young turkey for just 98 cents a pound for 10-16 pound birds. Above all, one can also use Walmart offer codes for massive savings.
- ALDI: This supermarket chain has some best deals too, with a range of discounts on a range of turkey products. Some of the most popular include butterball premium whole frozen turkey at $0.87 per pound, whole turkey (frozen) at $1.69 per pound, and Kirkwood Bone-In turkey breast at $1.59 per pound, only.
- Target: Apart from Walmart, Target too has some interesting deals every Thanksgiving. Some popular discounts can be available on items like foods like sweet rolls, raisins, unsalted butter, and more. You can also use Target’s seasonal coupon codes for great savings on any occasion.
Thanksgiving Fashion Sales & Deals
- Macy’s: Macy’s has some great deals and sales going on in preparation for Thanksgiving. Head over to the Macy’s website and browse through the different sections, including Men, Women, Junior, Furniture & Home Goods, and Clothing. You can also use the filters at the top of the page to refine your search results according to specific criteria (e.g., price range). Importantly, don’t forget to check out our range of Macy’s coupons to get additional discounts on all your orders.
Some notable deals that you may want to check out include:
- Women’s Jeans – 70% off
- Men’s Jean Shirts – 50% off
- Kids’ Coats & Jackets – 30% off
- You may also want to consider using Macy’s app or visiting one of their stores in person during this time period for additional savings opportunities.
- Allen Cooper: You can be a thousands of special discounts when you shop at Allen Cooper during the Thanksgiving sale this year. You can get access to discounts, and exclusive Allen Cooper coupons to save up to 80% on categories like footwear, shirts, trousers, and more.
Some notable deals that you may want to check out include:
- Clothing – Up to 70%
- Footwear – Up to 75% off
- Accessories – Flat 30% off
- H&M:Your shopping for this Thanksgiving is surely going to great, and worth every penny you spend at H&M. This leading fashion company has thousands of impressive collections for men, women, and kids, with great discounts up for grabs. One can also get flat 50% off on select products using H&M’s coupons, plus free delivery, and concession on first orders.
Some notable deals that you may want to check out include:
- Fashion & Accessories – 60% off
- Membership Deal – 10% off
- Kids Wear – Flat 20% off
What is the best time to shop for Thanksgiving?
Although your location and personal preferences may influence the optimum time to shop for Thanksgiving, there are some broad guidelines that can guide your choices. First of all, try to shop early in the day before sales end, and be careful to compare stores online as many merchants offer fantastic discounts through their websites. The ideal day to shop if you need to buy food or groceries is a Monday. This may seem too far, but according to data from Google Maps, Saturdays are the busiest days to visit a grocery shop during this season. Therefore, Monday, preferably at 8 am, is the least busy day.
Why Is Black Friday Celebrated After Thanksgiving?
In the United States, Black Friday is a colloquial term for the Friday following Thanksgiving Day (celebrated of the fourth Thurday of November). This marks the start of the Christmas shopping season, with thousands of deals available to shoppers across the country. In accounting, the term “Black” refers to profitable businesses. During this season, retailers across the United States slash prices and offer unbelievable deals on popular items, which is why its called the ‘Black Friday.’
Difference between Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are two of the most popular sales seasons in the United States. The main distinction between the two is that Cyber Monday is primarily intended for online shopping, whereas Black Friday is primarily intended for retail shopping.
FAQs
1. Which president refused Thanksgiving a holiday and why?
Third President of the United States Thomas Jefferson declined to issue a proclamation in 1801 and did not support the holiday of Thanksgiving. He believed that because Thanksgiving has Puritan religious roots, embracing the holiday amounted to support for state-sponsored religion.
2. What was eaten at the first Thanksgiving?
One of the first things that was eaten at the First Thanksgiving was fowl. Other seafood dishes included Eels, lobster, clams, bass, oysters, and mussels. Bread and corn were also popular items on the table.
3. What are the most popular foods to eat on Thanksgiving dinner?
The most popular foods to eat on Thanksgiving dinner are roast turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, apple pie, gravy, green bean casserole, and pecan pie.
4. Which president declared national Thanksgiving Day?
Thanksgiving Day was first proclaimed as a national holiday by George Washington. He declared Thursday, November 26, 1789, to be the day to observe Thanksgiving in a proclamation. This day wasn’t traditionally observed on the last Thursday of November each year until President Abraham Lincoln’s proclamation in 1863.
5. What is a traditional Thanksgiving dinner?
A traditional Thanksgiving dinner typically consists of roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, pumpkin pie or apple tart. It is also common to serve bread stuffing, sweet potatoes, garlic mashed parsnips , etc. Other optional dishes include candied yams and red gelatin eggs.
6. Is Cyber Monday after Black Friday?
Yes, Black Friday comes first, and it is observed a day after Thanksgiving. This annual shopping extravaganza continues until the following Monday, popularly known as Cyber Monday.
Wrapping Up!!!
We hope you enjoyed reading this post, but more importantly, we urge you to take advantage of the occasion by enjoying wonderful cuisine with friends and family and giving them gifts that will last a lifetime. Enjoy your Thanksgiving!