Thanksgiving is celebrated in many ways around the world, but the spirit of gratitude is something we can all share. In 2024, Thanksgiving is a great chance to reconnect with family, show thanks, and enjoy time together. This holiday also offers a welcome break before the busy Christmas season. Find out everything you need to know about this holiday in this article!

 

How Did Thanksgiving Start?

Thanksgiving began in the early 1600s when a group of Pilgrims from England came to North America. After a tough first year, they had a successful harvest in 1621, thanks in part to the help of local Native Americans. To celebrate and give thanks for their food, the Pilgrims held a feast and invited the Native Americans to join them. This meal is considered the first Thanksgiving.

Over time, Thanksgiving became a tradition in the United States, and in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declared it a national holiday to be celebrated every year in November. Today, Thanksgiving is a time for family and friends to come together, share a meal, and express gratitude for the good things in life.

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What Day Is Thanksgiving in 2024?

Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November each year in the United States. In 2024, it will be celebrated on November 28th.

This much-loved American tradition was set in 1941 when Congress set the fixed date. It symbolizes the celebration of harvest and gratitude, rooted in the 1621 feast shared by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people. The chosen date, after the fall harvest, marks a time to reflect and give thanks for the year’s blessings

 

Traditional Thanksgiving Foods and Feasts

While families across America add their personal touches to these meals, the focus is still on sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. The classic Thanksgiving dinner includes old favorites that never change: turkey, gravy, stuffing, potatoes, veggies, and pie. Here's a suggestion for the menu:

• Crisp-skinned butterflied roast turkey with gravy
• Basic cranberry sauce
• Classic sage and sausage stuffing (or dressing)
• Homemade green bean casserole
• Roasted sweet potatoes
• Roasted Brussels sprouts
• Fluffy mashed potatoes
• Butternut pumpkin pie
• Classic pecan pie

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Thanksgiving Traditions in Modern Times

Thanksgiving traditions have changed over the years. Many Americans tune in to watch parades and football games, with the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade being one of the most popular. In New York City, thousands of people gather to see it, and its giant balloons float between the skyscrapers

Since 1876, Thanksgiving has been a time for games, where families and friends gather to watch their favorite football teams or even join in the fun. One great way to stay active is by taking part in a turkey trot. These community races bring people together and help burn off some calories while enjoying the holiday spirit.

Similarly, anime fans will look forward to the Luffy Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2024, bringing a fun twist to the holiday.

 

Thanksgiving Around the World in 2024

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, but not all countries celebrate it in the same way. While the United States is the most famous for this holiday, many other countries have their own versions of the holiday.

• Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving on the second Monday in October.
• In Germany, they celebrate Erntedankfest, which is a harvest festival with roots in religion.
• The UK and many other European countries don't celebrate Thanksgiving as a holiday.

 

What is Thanksgiving like in Canada?

Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving earlier than Americans, because of the colder climate and earlier harvest. Canadians link Thanksgiving Day to harvest festivals and often display cornucopias filled with fruits and vegetables. The word "cornucopia" means "horn of plenty" in Latin and was a symbol of abundance in ancient Greece. For Canadians, turkeys, pumpkins, corn, and other foods represent the spirit of Thanksgiving Day.

People take a moment to reflect on the past year and give thanks for what they’ve achieved. Most people have a special meal over the long weekend. Turkey and pumpkin, corn, and pecans are often on the menu. Popular activities include autumn walks, hiking, and fishing, whereas some football fans watch the Thanksgiving Day Classic.

 

Does the UK Celebrate Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving is not a holiday celebrated in the UK. Many Brits know about it because of American culture. Some expats in the UK might celebrate Thanksgiving more informally, but it is not a national holiday there.

 

Does Germany Celebrate Thanksgiving?

Germany does not celebrate Thanksgiving in the same way as the United States or Canada. However, there is a similar tradition known as Erntedankfest or Harvest Festival, which is celebrated in September or October, typically on the first Sunday of October.

Like other harvest festivals in Europe, Erntedank comes from ancient farming rituals meant to give thanks for a good harvest and ask for luck for the next year’s crops. While it is more religious than Thanksgiving in North America, food and family remain central to the celebration.

The festivities vary by region but mostly take place in rural areas. Parades with decorated floats and people in traditional clothing are common, similar to a country fair. Church services often include singing and dancing, with seasonal fruits, vegetables, and grains placed on the altar. A harvest crown made of wheat usually serves as the centerpiece. In cities, churches celebrate German Thanksgiving with an evening service.

 

How is American Thanksgiving different from German Thanksgiving?

American and German Thanksgivings share themes of gratitude and feasting, but they have some key differences, starting with the food. In the US, turkey is the star of the meal, often accompanied by side dishes like sweet potato casserole and stuffing. In Germany, the focus is more on being thankful and enjoying a variety of foods.

The scale of the celebrations also differs. Thanksgiving in the US is as significant as Christmas; it’s always a public holiday and takes place on a Thursday. In contrast, German Thanksgiving usually falls on a Sunday and is not a public holiday.

Another distinction is that American Thanksgiving is more secular, emphasizing gratitude, food, and American football. Following Thanksgiving, Black Friday becomes a quasi-holiday with stores offering big discounts, whereas German Thanksgiving does not center around consumerism.

Other countries, like Japan with Labor Thanksgiving Day and Liberia, also have their own unique ways of giving thanks, each reflecting their specific cultures and histories.

 

Thanksgiving Day 2024: Long Weekend and Black Friday

Thanksgiving Day in the USA is a public holiday that falls on the fourth Thursday of November. This year, it falls on November 29, and it's a holiday in more than 20 states. The day after Thanksgiving is known as Black Friday and marks the start of the holiday shopping season, with many big sales and discounts. Many Americans use the long weekend to kick off their holiday shopping.

Traveling to visit family and friends is common during this busy time, making Thanksgiving one of the busiest travel periods in the country. If you’re driving, be careful, as traffic jams and congestion can happen. Seasonal parades and packed football games can also affect local traffic.

 

How Thanksgiving and Christmas Are Connected?

Thanksgiving and Christmas are two of the most important dates on the holiday calendar. They mark the start of the festive season. Both holidays focus on family, traditions, and gratitude. The transition from Thanksgiving to Christmas is often seamless, with many families diving into the Christmas spirit right after Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving centers on appreciating our material and economic blessings, while Christmas is a time to reflect on the spiritual gifts we’ve received through Jesus Christ. At the heart of Christmas is the birth of our Savior, an event that changed history and even how we keep track of time.

 

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