Thanksgiving Day is a national holiday celebrated in the United States on the fourth Thursday of November. It is a day to give thanks for all we have, celebrate with family and friends, and cherish our blessings.

Many churches hold Thanksgiving services on this day, and people take the day off to spend time with family and friends. For many, Thanksgiving is a day to express appreciation for all the blessings they have in life.  

Reasons for celebrating Thanksgiving day  

Thanksgiving day is to give thanks for blessings and good fortune throughout the year. The celebration of Thanksgiving dates back centuries, when European settlers gave thanks for their successful harvest. The traditional story often told is that of the pilgrims, who celebrated their first successful harvest with a feast shared with the Native Americans. 

Since then, Thanksgiving is becoming an annual tradition throughout America to express gratitude and thanks for their blessings. In addition, Thanksgiving day can celebrate with a family meal, often featuring turkey as the main dish.  

Additionally, it is a time for giving back to communities and helping those in need. By celebrating together on Thanksgiving day, we can recognize the many blessings we have and show appreciation for what we have been given.

15 Interested Facts of Thanksgiving day you should know

Thanksgiving day has been for centuries. It is a great occasion to gather with family and friends and express gratitude for the good things that have happened throughout the year. Here are a few interesting facts about this popular holiday: 

1. Turkey was not served on the first Thanksgiving

It may sound surprising, but they did not serve the turkey on the first Thanksgiving. Instead, the food items were probably venison, seafood, and bird-like wild duck or goose. It means that the Europeans first served turkey in the 16th century.

2. The original First Thanksgiving celebrate for three whole days

The first Thanksgiving feast of 1621 lasted for three days. During these days, they shared a meal and feasted with their Native American allies to celebrate the good harvest that year. So, they celebrate the holiday for a full day.

3. The U.S. President makes the National Thanksgiving proclamation 

Every year, the President of the United States issues an official Thanksgiving Proclamation. This sets aside the fourth Thursday of November as ‘Thanksgiving Day’ and encourages people to express gratitude for their blessings and serve others.

4. The NFL celebrates Thanksgiving by airing three football games

The National Football League (NFL) has aired Thanksgiving Day football games since 1920. It is one of the most popular sports events during the holiday season and can be watched on T.V. or listened to on the radio throughout the country.

5. The First ‘Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade had live animals

The first Macy’s parade featured zoo animals such as bears, monkeys, camels, and elephants walking the street of New York City along with floats and bands. Live animals are no longer a part of the parade for safety reasons.

6. The tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving started in 1621

The Pilgrims and Native Americans in Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1621 when people started the first Thanksgiving. This gathering lasted for three days and included a feast to give thanks for their blessings.

7. George H.W. Bush pardoned the first turkey.

In 1989, President George H.W. Bush officially pardoned the first turkey in a ceremony at the White House. This saved the bird from being eaten for Thanksgiving dinner and started a tradition that continues every year.

8. Astronauts also celebrate Thanksgiving in the International space station

Astronauts have celebrated the holiday by making traditional American dishes such as turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes. Even though they are in space, they keep the Thanksgiving spirit alive!

9. Canadian Thanksgiving came first.

Canadian Thanksgiving, which they celebrate on the second Monday of October, was first declared a holiday by the explorer Martin Frobisher in 1578 when he arrived in modern-day Canada. The U.S. followed suit almost 200 years later.

10. Most Americans prefer dark meat to white meat on Thanksgiving

According to surveys, most people prefer dark meat to white meat on Thanksgiving. Dark meat has a richer flavor and juicier texture than white meat, so it’s no surprise that it is the more popular choice for the holiday feast.

11. Americans spend about $2 billion on Thanksgiving Day

According to estimates, Americans spend about $2 billion on Thanksgiving Day. This estimate includes food, decorations, and entertainment expenses associated with celebrating the holiday. They also give generously to those in need, donating about $282 million during the holiday season.

12. Thanksgiving is the busiest day for plumbers.

As people prepare for the holiday feast, they also use water. Unfortunately, this led to increased clogs and plumbing emergencies that day, leading to Thanksgiving being dubbed the busiest day of the year” for plumbers.

13. “Jingle-Bells” was supposed to be a Thanksgiving song

Jingle-Bells originally titled “One Horse Open Sleigh ” was written by James Pierpont in 1857. Although it did not become a holiday favorite until Christmas, the song was originally intended to be used for Thanksgiving Day celebrations 

14. Americans drink a lot before Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving is a time for celebrating with family and friends, including drinking. According to researchers, Americans consume 730 million gallons of beer in the days leading up to Thanksgiving Day, making it one of the biggest beer consumption days of the year.

15. Britain has also started their own Thanksgiving holiday.

The U.K. has also started its Thanksgiving holiday, which people celebrate on the fourth Thursday of November. Although it is not as widely observed as in the U.S., some British families still mark this day with traditional dishes such as turkey and pumpkin pie.

Finally, Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the good in our lives and spend time with loved ones. It’s also a great opportunity to teach kids about the history and traditions of this holiday. So, whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving in the United States or another country, we hope you have a wonderful day full of family, friends, food, and fun!