Thanksgiving day is one of the most important American holidays, especially this 2024, isn’t it? Big family gatherings, roasted turkey, pumpkin pie, parades and football games. Americans reunite to express thanks, but for what?

Thanksgiving has a long, puzzling history. If you’re intrigued by the lore behind this holiday, go ahead and read the full article for more delightful tidbits!

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What Day Is Thanksgiving in 2024?

Thanksgiving takes place mainly in the U.S. on the fourth Thursday of November every year. In 2024, it will be on November 28.

Why Thursday? In the early 19th century, President Abraham Lincoln made Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863, choosing the last Thursday in November. Later, in 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Congress made it official for the fourth Thursday, to keep it away from Christmas and help the economy with holiday shopping.

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A Brief History of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving history starts back in 1621 when the Pilgrims held a three-day feast at Plymouth and invited the Wampanoag, who taught them how to grow crops. This was a harvest festival to thank for a good growing season and the help of Native Americans. It’s often considered the “First Thanksgiving,” but some experts state similar feasts occurred long before that.

Fast forward to the 1800s, Sarah Josepha Hale, a writer and editor, pushed for making a national Thanksgiving holiday. Then in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln finally set Thanksgiving as a national holiday. This was partly in response to the Civil War, aiming to unite the country.

And in 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved it one week to the third Thursday in November. It was an effort to make the holiday shopping season longer, but it faced plenty of disagreement.

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Traditional Thanksgiving Foods and Feasts

Thanksgiving Day 2024 is a huge feast where food is the central theme. Here are some traditional Thanksgiving dishes that can’t be missed on an American table:

Turkey, the star of the Thanksgiving meal, is usually roasted, sometimes deep-fried or smoked. The stuffing can be a mix of bread and herbs either shoved in the turkey or baked separately.

Mashed potatoes follow as a classic Thanksgiving side dish. They’re creamy, buttery, with a touch of garlic.

The gravy—that brown sauce made with a few simple ingredients, yet so delicious! Turkey drippings, the fat and juices from roasted meat, is the best. Then flour or cornstarch to thicken the gravy along with broth or stock. Seasonings, salt and pepper for sure, and maybe some herbs like thyme or sage. It’s all about balancing the flavors.

Cranberry sauce is sweet and tart. Then, the green bean casserole with crunchy fried onions on top.

For dessert, pumpkin pie is the king of Thanksgiving desserts, but pecan pie and apple pie sneak in too.

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Thanksgiving Traditions in Modern Times

Thanksgiving Day in 2024 is about gratitude and big meals, families, and friends. Turkey takes the spotlight at the American table along with mashed potatoes, stuffing and sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, and rolls. Desserts like pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and apple pie are the sweet American tooth.

On Thanksgiving, a lot of people travel to see family in and abroad. It’s not just about enjoying food and time together but being grateful for it. A common tradition is sharing thanks around the table. Each person says what they’re thankful for as a way to remember the holiday’s main idea, gratitude.

Millions of Americans tune in on TV on Thanksgiving to watch national and local parades and community events. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, one of the most awaited for, has been in New York City since 1924 every year. Huge balloons, floats, music, and performances happen. This year, anime fans are excited to see Luffy from One Piece joining the parade lineup.

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Thanksgiving and football are the perfect American match. Thanksgiving football involves watching teams like the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys play. The NFL has three games that day, and families love to watch and cheer for their favorite teams.

Thanksgiving pushes many to help others, volunteering at food banks, soup kitchens, and food drives happens a lot, spreading kindness.

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What Countries Celebrate Thanksgiving Day in 2024?

Is Thanksgiving an American holiday? Nope! Countries around the globe have their own ways to celebrate harvest and gratitude. Although it is celebrated mostly in the U.S. and Canada.

• United States: Fourth Thursday of November.
• Canada: Second Monday of October, influenced by European and indigenous traditions, from 1578.
• The Netherlands: Similar to the U.S. Thanksgiving, it honors Pilgrims in Leiden.
• Grenada: October 25, marks the 1983 U.S. military intervention.
• Liberia: First Thursday of November, inspired by freed Black Americans.
• Norfolk Island: Last Wednesday of November, a mix of American and local foods.

Does The United Kingdom Celebrate Thanksgiving

The United Kingdom does not celebrate Thanksgiving as a national holiday. There is a similar event called Harvest Festival in September or October, where people give thanks for crops but it is not Thanksgiving. Some Americans living in the UK do celebrate the day with friends and family with the traditional turkey and pie.

Does Germany Celebrate Thanksgiving

Germany does not have a Thanksgiving Day like in the U.S. or Canada. Instead, it celebrates Erntedankfest on the first Sunday of October to thank God for a good harvest. On Erntedankfest, Germans go to church, hold parades, have local fairs, and enjoy meals based on seasonal foods. Unlike the American Thanksgiving, Erntedankfest focuses on community and tradition, rather than family gatherings or commercial events.

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Thanksgiving 2024: Long Weekend and Black Friday

Thanksgiving is a federal holiday, where many schools and businesses close, so everyone gets a long weekend. People tend to travel a lot, especially starting Wednesday.

After Thanksgiving comes Black Friday, on November 29, 2024, a shopping extravaganza. Sellers offer big discounts, doorbuster deals, and stores open early, it’s the most commercial time of year. Some shopaholics even shop late Thanksgiving night in a rush.

Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday are part of this shopping whirlwind too, with local shops getting their moment.

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How Thanksgiving and Christmas Are Connected?

Thanksgiving and Christmas go hand in hand. First, Thanksgiving Day sets the stage for Christmas, as many begin Christmas prep right after that.

Secondly, both holidays’ main focus is on family and traditional meals. People travel far and wide, coming together to share meals and laughter. They even have similar dishes, like turkey and pies, with some Thanksgiving dishes often returning at Christmas dinners.

Thirdly, giving is an important part of both celebrations. Thanksgiving has donating and volunteering, while Christmas brings out all kinds of charity efforts, from toys to food drives. It’s all about spreading kindness.

Together, these two holidays mark a time for being grateful and being with loved ones.

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