Thanksgiving is one of the most beloved holidays in the United States. It is filled with warmth, gratitude, and, of course, delicious food. This particular day brings families, friends, and communities together to celebrate big and small blessings. While every family may celebrate this day in unique ways, the essence of Thanksgiving remains universal.
It is to appreciate and share what we have with those around us. But what is Thanksgiving Day, and how did it become such a prominent celebration in American culture? Let’s try to understand the history, traditions, and customs that make this holiday memorable.
What is Thanksgiving Day?
Thanksgiving is a national holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States. It is rooted in a harvest festival that dates back to 1621 when Pilgrims and Native Americans gathered to celebrate a successful harvest with a shared feast.
This event is often regarded as the ‘First Thanksgiving’. While the holiday’s historical origins lie in early colonial times, Thanksgiving evolved over centuries into a federal holiday. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday. He emphasized the spirit of gratitude even in times of hardship, as the country was in the midst of the Civil War.
Today, Thanksgiving is more than a simple holiday. It’s a cherished American tradition. It’s a time for loved ones to come together, share a meal, and express gratitude for life’s blessings. But what day is Thanksgiving exactly? Thanksgiving falls on the fourth Thursday of November each year. Hence, giving people a long weekend to celebrate and spend time with family and friends.
5 Thanksgiving Celebrations in the USA
While each family may have its special customs, Thanksgiving Day celebrations generally follow a few time-honored traditions. Let’s look at some of the most iconic ways Americans commemorate Thanksgiving.
1. The Thanksgiving Feast
No Thanksgiving is complete without a grand feast. The traditional Thanksgiving meal is centered around turkey, which has become almost synonymous with the holiday. Preparing the turkey is a labor of love, often roasted, fried, or even smoked, depending on family preferences. Other classic Thanksgiving dishes include stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, and gravy. And let’s not forget the desserts—pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and apple pie are all holiday favorites.
Each family’s Thanksgiving menu may vary slightly, but the purpose is always the same: to share a bountiful meal that celebrates abundance and togetherness. Preparing and eating these dishes allows family members to connect, share stories, and reflect on the year’s blessings.
2. Parades and Festivities
Thanksgiving Day is synonymous with festive parades that captivate audiences nationwide. The most famous is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, a vibrant spectacle filled with giant balloons, floats, performers, and marching bands. First held in 1924, the parade has since become a cornerstone of Thanksgiving celebrations, watched by millions of people both in person and on television. For many, tuning into the parade has become an annual ritual, marking the official start of the holiday season.
Some communities host Thanksgiving festivals and local events in addition to parades. These include turkey trots, which are fun runs or races held on Thanksgiving morning. These events add to the day’s spirit, bringing people together for a shared cause and, for some, a good excuse to indulge a little more during the Thanksgiving meal.
3. Football Games
For sports enthusiasts, Thanksgiving Day football games are a big part of the celebration. The NFL hosts several games on Thanksgiving Day, a tradition that began in the 1930s. Watching football has become a popular way for families to relax and bond after a hearty meal.Â
For some families, gathering in front of the TV and cheering for their favorite teams is a deeply rooted tradition, while others may participate in a friendly backyard football game. This custom brings excitement to the holiday, uniting fans of all ages.
4. Sharing and Giving Thanks
Of course, Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without giving thanks. Many families have a tradition of going around the table and sharing what they are grateful for. This can be a significant and emotional moment, reminding everyone of the importance of gratitude. Expressing appreciation, especially in a fast-paced and challenging world, is a grounding experience that reminds people to appreciate what they have.
Some people also choose to give back to their communities on Thanksgiving. Volunteers at local food banks or homeless shelters help serve meals to those in need. This spirit of giving aligns with the holiday’s original purpose of sharing abundance and kindness.
5. Thanksgiving Movies and Stories
While less prominent than the Thanksgiving meal or parades, watching Thanksgiving-themed movies or reading stories with family is another cozy tradition. Movies like Planes, Trains, and Automobiles and A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving have become classics, adding a touch of humor, warmth, and nostalgia to the day.
Watching these films or sharing stories is a wonderful way to end the evening, bringing everyone together in a relaxed, joyful setting.
5 Unique Thanksgiving Traditions and Cultures Across the USA
Thanksgiving in the United States is filled with regional twists and unique traditions that make each celebration distinct. Mentioned below are some of the unique cultures and traditions followed across the United States:
1. Turkey Trot Races
Where: Nationwide (popular in cities like Buffalo, NY, and Dallas, TX)
About: The Thanksgiving Turkey Trot is a cherished tradition in many cities. These races, typically held on Thanksgiving morning. They vary from 5Ks to half marathons and often attract runners of all ages and fitness levels. Many participants don festive attire such as turkey hats and pilgrim costumes. This adds to the fun and makes the event interesting.
2. Presidential Turkey Pardoning
Where: Washington, D.C.
About: Every year, the President of the United States participates in the lighthearted tradition of ‘pardoning’ a turkey just before Thanksgiving. This annual ceremony, typically held on the White House lawn. It saves the turkey from the dinner table and allows it to live out its days on a farm or sanctuary. While the first formal pardon was given by President George H.W. Bush in 1989, the tradition has historical roots dating back to Abraham Lincoln. The turkey pardoning has since become a symbolic and humorous way to celebrate Thanksgiving, often watched by families across the country.
3. Crab Feasts Instead of Turkey
Where: Maryland and Chesapeake Bay Area
About: In Maryland, particularly in the Chesapeake Bay area, Thanksgiving dinners often feature a seafood twist. Instead of turkey, families enjoy a crab feast, showcasing Maryland’s signature blue crabs. Although Thanksgiving falls outside the crab season, locals preserve and freeze crabs from summer or rely on local markets to provide the delicacy. The feast is typically accompanied by corn, Old Bay seasoning, and melted butter. This unique Thanksgiving tradition highlights Marylanders’ solid cultural connection to the Chesapeake Bay and its seafood heritage.
4. Deep-Fried Turkey
Where: The Southern United States, especially Texas and Louisiana
About: Deep-frying turkey has become a Southern Thanksgiving staple. Unlike the classic roast turkey, deep-fried turkey is known for its crispy skin and juicy meat, achieved in a fraction of the time.
Deep-frying a turkey, however, requires caution, as it involves large quantities of hot oil and outdoor setups and often becomes a group effort among family and friends. This tradition reflects the South’s love for flavorful, fried foods, and for many, it’s a highlight of Thanksgiving dinner, bringing a regional twist to the holiday.
5. Green Bean Casserole, Jello Salads, and Regional Dishes
Where: Midwest and Southern United States
About: While the turkey is the centerpiece, many regions bring unique dishes to the Thanksgiving table. In the Midwest, green bean casserole is a classic dish made with green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions. Jell-O salads, often colorful and filled with fruit, are another Midwestern staple, adding a splash of sweetness to the meal. The South has its twist with cornbread stuffing and pecan pie.
Wishing You a Happy Thanksgiving Day!
As the day of thanks is approaching, we hope you’re looking forward to celebrating with your loved ones. You must be eager to enjoy delicious food, and take a moment to reflect on the past year with gratitude. From traditional turkey dinners to modern Friendsgiving gatherings, Thanksgiving Day is a time to share happiness, warmth, and love.
Here at itilite, we recognize the importance of making meaningful connections and celebrating life’s precious moments. Just like Thanksgiving Day reminds us to do. As a leading corporate travel management company, we’re dedicated to helping businesses streamline travel experiences for their employees, especially during busy holiday seasons. Whether your team travels for business or reunites with family across the country, itilite is here to make your journey as smooth as possible.
So, from all of us to you, Happy Thanksgiving Day! Enjoy the warmth of family, the joy of friends, and all the blessings that fill your heart this season.
