Thanksgiving Day

Cheap Flight Tickets - Book Low Price Tickets Today

Thanksgiving Day is a significant holiday celebrated primarily in the United States and Canada. Traditionally,  Cheap Flight Tickets  fall on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States and on the second Monday of October in Canada.  On this day, people gather with family and friends to express gratitude and appreciation for the blessings and good fortune in their lives. It is a time for reflection, togetherness, and sharing a special meal.

The Thanksgiving meal often centres  around a roasted turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, gravy, and various side dishes and desserts. Families come together to enjoy this delicious feast, engage in conversations, and spend quality time with each other.

Beyond the meal, Thanksgiving Day is an opportunity for people to show kindness and support to those less fortunate. Many participate in charitable activities, such as volunteering at soup kitchens, donating to food drives, or helping the needy in their communities.

Additionally, the holiday is characterised by various traditions, like watching parades, playing football, or engaging in outdoor activities, depending on the region and personal preferences.

While the celebrations might differ from one household to another, the essence of Thanksgiving remains the same—to express gratitude and foster a sense of appreciation for life's blessings and the people around us.

History Rolling Behind the Thanksgiving Day

The history of Thanksgiving Day is deeply rooted in early American and Canadian history. The origins of the holiday can be traced back to the 17th century and have evolved over time. Here's a brief overview of the history behind Thanksgiving Day in both countries:

United States:

The first recorded Thanksgiving celebration in the United States took place in 1621 at Plymouth, Massachusetts. The Pilgrims, who were English settlers seeking religious freedom, had arrived in the New World the previous year and faced harsh conditions during their first winter. Native American Wampanoag people, particularly Squanto, helped the Pilgrims adapt to the land, teaching them essential agricultural skills and forging a cooperative relationship. To celebrate their successful harvest in the fall of 1621, the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag held a three-day feast, which is often considered the origin of the Thanksgiving holiday.

It is important to note that various regions and colonies in America observed days of thanksgiving throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, but it wasn't until 1863 during the Civil War that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving as a national holiday. He declared the last Thursday of November to be a day of "Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens." In 1941, Congress officially established Thanksgiving Day as the fourth Thursday in November, where it remains today.

Celebrations Done on Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Day is celebrated with various traditions and activities, primarily in the United States and Canada. While specific customs may vary from one family or region to another, some common celebrations include:

Thanksgiving Dinner: 

The centrepiece  of Thanksgiving Day is the special feast with family and friends. A traditional Thanksgiving meal often features a roasted turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie. Families come together to enjoy this delicious and abundant meal.

Expressing Gratitude: 

One of the main themes of Thanksgiving is expressing gratitude. During the meal or throughout the day, people often take turns sharing what they are thankful for in their lives. It's a time to reflect on blessings, good fortune, and the positive aspects of life.

Family Gatherings: 

Thanksgiving is an occasion when families come together from near and far to celebrate. It's a time to reunite, catch up, and spend quality time with loved ones.

Parades:

 Many cities in the United States host Thanksgiving Day parades. The most famous of these is the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, which features large floats, marching bands, performances, and the iconic giant balloons.

Football:

 Watching football games, either in person or on television, has become a popular Thanksgiving Day tradition for many families. There are often special NFL games scheduled on this day.

Volunteer Work and Charity: In the spirit of giving thanks and helping others, some people engage in volunteer work on Thanksgiving Day.   Cheap Flight Tickets  They may serve meals at soup kitchens, participate in food drives, or contribute to charitable causes.

Outdoor Activities:

 Depending on the climate and location, some families may enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, going for a walk, or playing games in the yard.

Black Friday Shopping: 

In recent years, the day after Thanksgiving (Friday) has become known as "Black Friday," which marks the start of the holiday shopping season. Many retailers offer significant discounts and deals, leading to a busy shopping day for those looking to get a head start on their holiday shopping.

Thanksgiving Crafts and Activities: Children often engage in Thanksgiving-themed crafts, such as making handprint turkeys or creating decorations for the table or the house.

Harvest Decorations: 

Many people decorate their homes with autumnal and harvest-themed decor, such as pumpkins, gourds, cornucopias, and fall-coloured foliage.