Thanksgiving History, Facts and Importance (2025)
Thanksgiving is a holiday known for its delicious meals, family gatherings, and a focus on gratitude. It has to be one of my favorite times of the year. Each year, people come together to enjoy turkey, pumpkin pie, and other traditional dishes, all while reflecting on the things they're thankful for.
Thanksgiving is a day rooted in history, shaped by traditions, and filled with moments that bring people closer.
In this blog, we'll look at the history of Thanksgiving, some interesting facts about the holiday, and why it holds a special place in many homes. Let's dive into what makes Thanksgiving a memorable and meaningful celebration.
History of Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving in the United States dates back to the early 1621s, when English Pilgrims seeking religious freedom arrived in Plymouth, Massachusetts. After a tough first winter, they learned farming techniques from the Native American Wampanoag tribe, leading to a successful harvest the following year.
In 1621, the Pilgrims and Wampanoag gathered for a three-day feast to celebrate the harvest. This event, often called the First Thanksgiving, was a time to share food and express gratitude, featuring a mix of wild game, fish, fruits, and vegetables. However, Thanksgiving didn't become an annual holiday right away. It wasn't until 1863, during the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln declared it a national holiday, largely thanks to writer Sarah Josepha Hale's efforts. Lincoln designated it as a day of unity and thankfulness to be observed on the last Thursday in November.
Today, Thanksgiving is a time for family and friends to gather for a meal, with turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie as traditional favorites. The holiday has also grown to include parades, like the famous Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, and charitable acts, with many people volunteering or donating to help others.
Thanksgiving reminds us to be grateful for what we have and to come together in a spirit of appreciation and generosity.
35 Thanksgiving Facts You Should Know
- Thanksgiving dates back to 1621 when Pilgrims and Native Americans held a multi-day feast in the U.S. featuring foods like venison, seafood, and wildfowl.
- Abraham Lincoln made Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863 during the Civil War to promote unity.
- This Thanksgiving, 293.5 million Americans are expected to eat turkey, with $983.3 million spent on the birds.
Thanksgiving football began in 1876 with a college game between Yale and Princeton. The Detroit Lions began hosting Thanksgiving games in 1934, joined by the Dallas Cowboys in 1966. This year includes three games, plus a Black Friday game on Amazon.- The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade started in 1924 with live animals borrowed from the zoo. In 1927, the parade introduced giant balloons, beginning with Felix the Cat.
- The first Thanksgiving was documented in a letter by colonist Edward Winslow, who mentioned it briefly to a friend.
- Around 46 million turkeys are consumed on Thanksgiving, with 88% of Americans including turkey in their feast.
- Thanksgiving wasn't always on the fourth Thursday; it was fixed by Congress in 1941.
- Thomas Jefferson was the first president to refuse a Thanksgiving proclamation, as he felt it blurred the lines between church and state.
- The most popular Thanksgiving drinks are wine, beer, and whiskey, with an average of 2.7 drinks per person. Red wine is the preferred choice for 75% of those who drink wine with dinner.
- President Calvin Coolidge once received a live raccoon as a Thanksgiving gift, which he adopted instead of eating.
- 96% of Americans agree that Thanksgiving leftovers are the best part of the holiday meal.
- About 50 million pumpkin pies are eaten on Thanksgiving Day each year.
Black Friday is the busiest shopping day of the year, with millions shopping both online and in stores.- The presidential turkey pardon tradition wasn't originally tied to Thanksgiving but started with a Christmas turkey in 1863.
- From 2005-2009, pardoned turkeys were sent to Disneyland or Disney World to serve as grand marshals in the Thanksgiving Day Parade.
- Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has been an annual event since 1924, except during World War II.
- The turducken, a triple-layered poultry dish, has roots in New Orleans and was popularized by Chef Paul Prudhomme.
- In 1705, Colchester, Connecticut, postponed Thanksgiving due to a molasses shortage, essential for making pumpkin pie.
- The first Thanksgiving likely included lobster, swan, and venison, as potatoes and cranberry sauce weren't available.
- Canada celebrates Thanksgiving in October, a holiday originating over 40 years before the American one.
- Thanksgiving creates high demand for plumbers, making Black Friday one of their busiest workdays.
- The Butterball Turkey Hotline receives over 100,000 calls each year with questions about turkey preparation.
- TV dinners were invented in 1953 to use up 260 tons of unsold Thanksgiving turkey.
- The Sunday after Thanksgiving is one of the most expensive days to fly due to peak travel demand. But you can save with ease through our collection of flight coupon codes.
- The first Turkey Trot took place in Buffalo, New York, in 1896 and is now a popular Thanksgiving tradition across the U.S.
- The song ‘Jingle Bells’ was originally written for Thanksgiving by James Lord Pierpont.
- Breaking turkey wishbones is an ancient tradition, originating with the Etruscans for good luck.
- The first Thanksgiving celebration lasted three days rather than a single meal.
- A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving is rated the best Thanksgiving movie according to critics on Rotten Tomatoes.
- Green bean casserole, a holiday staple, was invented by Campbell's Soup Company in the 1950s.
- Pilgrims had a complex relationship with the Wampanoag tribe, who aided their survival in exchange for European goods and weapons.
Best Time to Shop for Thanksgiving
The best time to shop for Thanksgiving often depends on your location and preferences, but some general guidelines can help. Shopping early in the day allows you to catch deals before they end, and it's smart to compare online store prices as many retailers offer excellent discounts on their websites.
For grocery shopping, Monday is ideal, particularly around 8 a.m., as it tends to be the least busy time. According to Google Maps data, Saturdays are the busiest grocery shopping days during Thanksgiving week.
Why Black Friday is Celebrated After Thanksgiving
Black Friday, celebrated in the U.S. on the Friday following Thanksgiving, marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season. The term ‘Black Friday’ originates from the accounting phrase ‘in the black,’ signifying profitability. Retailers across the country offer significant discounts on popular items, drawing large crowds and making it one of the most anticipated shopping days of the year.
Which president refused Thanksgiving as a holiday and why?
Thomas Jefferson refused to make Thanksgiving a holiday in 1801, as he felt it supported state-sponsored religion.
What was eaten at the first Thanksgiving?
The first Thanksgiving featured fowl, seafood like eels and lobster, bread, and corn.
What are the most popular foods to eat at Thanksgiving dinner?
Roast turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, apple pie, gravy, green bean casserole, and pecan pie are favorites.
Which president declared National Thanksgiving Day?
George Washington first declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1789; Abraham Lincoln set it as the last Thursday in November 1863.
What is a traditional Thanksgiving dinner?
It usually includes roast turkey, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, green beans, and pumpkin pie, with extras like stuffing and sweet potatoes.
When do Thanksgiving offers typically start?
Thanksgiving sales often start a few days before Thanksgiving Day.
Are online Thanksgiving sales as good as in-store?
Yes, online deals can be just as good, with some exclusive online-only discounts.
Can I find deals on electronics during Thanksgiving?
Yes, Thanksgiving offers big discounts on electronics like TVs, laptops, and phones.
Are there specific times on Thanksgiving Day when the best deals are available?
Yes, look for early morning or evening sales, as some retailers offer limited-time doorbuster deals.
