Thanksgiving is one of the most #cherished and #heartfelt celebrations of the year, a day that #inspires #people of all #ages to #pause, #reflect, and give #thanks for the #blessings in their #lives. The first mention of #Thanksgiving in most #households evokes memories of #warm #gatherings, #shared meals, and #genuine togetherness. While traditions may differ, the spirit of #gratitude remains at the #centre. This day #encourages people to appreciate the #comforts they #enjoy, the #relationships they #nurture, and the #simple #joys that often go #unnoticed. As the #world becomes increasingly #fast-paced, Thanksgiving reminds us to #slow down, #share kindness, and #embrace community.
History of Thanksgiving
The origins of Thanksgiving date back to the early 17th century. The celebration began in 1621, when the Pilgrims, also known as the English settlers of Plymouth Colony, organised a feast to express gratitude for their successful harvest. The Wampanoag Native American tribe, especially their leader Massasoit, played a crucial role by teaching the Pilgrims essential survival techniques such as growing crops and fishing.
This first celebration lasted for three days and is widely considered the foundation of the modern Thanks giving holiday. Though it wasn’t an annual event at the time, the idea of giving thanks began to take shape gradually.
In 1789, President George Washington proclaimed the first national Thanksgiving Day, highlighting the importance of gratitude for the successful end of the War of Independence and the new Constitution. However, the holiday still lacked a fixed annual date.
Years later, one woman played a major role in establishing Thanksgiving as a national holiday—Sarah Josepha Hale, an American writer and editor. She campaigned tirelessly for over 30 years, writing letters to politicians and publishing editorials. Her persistence finally paid off when President Abraham Lincoln, in 1863, declared Thanksgiving a national holiday to be celebrated annually on the last Thursday of November, aiming to unify the nation during the Civil War.
Later, in 1941, the U.S. Congress officially established the celebration on the fourth Thursday of November, the date that continues today. Over time, Thanks giving spread across regions and cultures, becoming a symbol of gratitude, unity, and togetherness.
Importance of Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving holds immense importance on both personal and societal levels. It is not merely a feast but a reminder of gratitude and compassion. The celebration honours the spirit of harvest, cooperation, and community. Historically, it acknowledges the survival of early settlers and the assistance they received from Native Americans.
On a personal level, Thanksgiving offers an opportunity to express appreciation for loved ones, accomplishments, and life’s blessings. In an age dominated by stress and digital distractions, Thanks giving encourages people to reconnect with family, strengthen bonds, and create lasting memories. Businesses, communities, and schools also utilise the day to promote generosity and support the less fortunate through food drives, charity events, and volunteering.
When Thanksgiving Day Is Celebrated and Why the Date Is Chosen
Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November each year in the United States. The date was officially set by the U.S. Congress in 1941, ensuring consistency for citizens and businesses. The fourth-Thursday choice provided enough time between Thanksgiving and Christmas, supporting the holiday shopping season and allowing families sufficient travel time during winter.
In Canada, however, Thank sgiving is celebrated earlier—on the second Monday of October. This is because Canada’s harvest season occurs earlier due to its colder climate.
The choice of dates in both countries aligns with the end of the annual harvest, symbolising gratitude for nature’s abundance and the opportunity to reflect on prosperity and blessings.
Significance of Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is significant for many reasons:
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A Ritual of Gratitude: It encourages people to appreciate life’s blessings, creating a culture of thankfulness and positivity.
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Strengthening Family Bonds: Families gather, often travelling long distances, to share meals and create cherished memories.
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Cultural Unity: The day represents unity, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds to celebrate togetherness.
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Honouring History: Thanks giving pays homage to early American history, acknowledging the journey of the Pilgrims and Native Americans.
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Community Support: It promotes charity, kindness, and support for the needy through volunteering and donations.
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Seasonal Reflection: Thanks giving also marks the beginning of the festive holiday season, setting a tone of joy and warmth.
Why Thanksgiving Is Celebrated
Thanksgiving is celebrated to express gratitude for the blessings of the past year, honour the harvest season, and acknowledge the value of community and family. The original celebration in 1621 was a harvest festival held by the Pilgrims to give thanks for their survival, good health, and abundant crops. Over time, the essence of the celebration evolved, but the core reason remains the same—gratitude.
Today, Thanksgiving also celebrates:
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The presence of loved ones
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Good health
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Prosperity
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Cultural traditions
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Acts of kindness and generosity
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Togetherness beyond differences
Whether spiritual, emotional, or cultural, Thanks giving allows individuals and communities to reflect, appreciate, and celebrate with grateful hearts.
How Thanksgiving Is Celebrated
Thanksgiving celebrations are vibrant, warm, and meaningful. While traditions vary, certain elements remain universal across regions and communities.
1. Family Gatherings
Families and friends come together, often travelling great distances, to share meals, catch up, and spend quality time. These gatherings form the heart of Thanks giving.
2. The Thanksgiving Feast
The meal is the most iconic part of the celebration. Common dishes include:
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Roasted turkey
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Stuffing
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Mashed potatoes
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Cranberry sauce
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Gravy
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Cornbread
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Pumpkin pie
Each dish represents the traditional harvest and cultural influences passed down through generations.
3. Expressions of Gratitude
Many families take time to express thanks verbally—each person shares what they are grateful for. This practice reinforces the emotional and spiritual essence of the day.
4. Parades and Public Celebrations
Cities like New York host grand parades featuring floats, music bands, and performances. These parades attract millions of spectators both in person and online.
5. Volunteering and Charity
Thanksgiving inspires people to serve the community. Food banks, shelters, and nonprofits receive donations and volunteer help, ensuring even the less fortunate can enjoy a hearty meal.
6. Traditions and Activities
Additional activities include:
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Football games (a major American tradition)
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Watching holiday-themed movies
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Playing board games
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Preparing desserts together
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Shopping for Black Friday deals
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Decorating homes for the upcoming festive season
7. Quiet Reflection
For many, Thanksgiving also serves as a peaceful day of reflection—evaluating the year, acknowledging challenges, and celebrating resilience.
Countries and Regions Where Thanksgiving Is Celebrated
While Thanksgiving is widely associated with the United States, it is celebrated in different forms across several countries:
1. United States
The most well-known Thanks giving celebration, observed on the fourth Thursday of November with feasts, parades, football, and charity.
2. Canada
Celebrated on the second Monday of October, focusing on the harvest and blessings of the year.
3. Liberia
Founded by freed American slaves in the 19th century, Liberia celebrates Thanks giving on the first Thursday of November, emphasising freedom and gratitude.
4. Grenada
Celebrated on October 25, commemorating the 1983 U.S.-led intervention that restored order in the nation.
5. Norfolk Island (Australia)
Celebrated on the last Wednesday of November, influenced by American whaling ships in the 19th century.
6. Certain Caribbean Islands & Expat Communities
Communities of Americans abroad also celebrate Thanks giving in their own traditional ways.
These variations highlight the universal appeal of gratitude and the cultural adaptability of the festival.
How Citizens Involve Themselves in Thanksgiving Celebrations and Make It a Success
People actively participate in Thanksgiving festivities through numerous meaningful ways:
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Hosting gatherings for family, friends, or neighbours
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Cooking traditional meals and experimenting with family recipes
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Decorating homes with autumn-themed elements like pumpkins, leaves, and candles
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Engaging in charity work, feeding the homeless, donating groceries, or organising food drives
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Supporting local farmers by purchasing fresh produce
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Participating in community parades, shows, or cultural events
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Spending quality time with elderly family members or those living alone
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Creating digital gratitude journals and sharing positivity on social media
The involvement of citizens ensures that the essence of Thanks giving—gratitude, unity, and warmth—continues to flourish year after year.
Theme for Thanksgiving 2025
The suggested theme for Thanksgiving 2025 is:
“Gratitude in Action: Giving, Sharing, and Caring”
This theme highlights the importance of not just feeling thankful but expressing gratitude through meaningful actions. It promotes kindness, social responsibility, environmental mindfulness, and inclusive celebrations that go beyond the dining table.
10 Famous Quotes for Thanksgiving
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“Gratitude turns what we have into enough.”
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“Thanksgiving is a time of togetherness and gratitude.” — Nigel Hamilton
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“The more thankful I am, the more beauty I see.”
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“Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions.” — Zig Ziglar
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“Thanks giving is a joyous invitation to pause and reflect.”
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“Appreciation is a wonderful thing—it makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.” — Voltaire
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“Thankfulness is the quickest path to joy.”
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“We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.”
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“Let our lives be full of thanks and giving.”
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“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” — William Arthur Ward
FAQ’s on Thanksgiving
Q1. What is Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving is a holiday centred around giving thanks for blessings, harvest, and togetherness.
Q2. When is Thanksgiving celebrated?
In the U.S., it is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. In Canada, on the second Monday of October.
Q3. Why do we celebrate Thanksgiving?
To express gratitude, honour history, celebrate harvest, and strengthen family and community bonds.
Q4. Who started Thanksgiving?
The earliest Thanksgiving was celebrated by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe in 1621. Later, Abraham Lincoln made it a national holiday.
Q5. What is the traditional Thanks giving meal?
Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, and harvest vegetables.
Q6. What is the history behind Thanksgiving?
It originated from a 1621 harvest feast shared by Pilgrims and Native Americans in Plymouth.
Q7. Why do we eat turkey on Thanks giving?
Turkey became popular because it was a plentiful bird, easy to roast, and large enough to feed families.
Q8. What is the meaning of Thanks giving?
It means expressing gratitude for life’s blessings and celebrating unity.
Q9. Is Thanksgiving a religious holiday?
It has historical and cultural roots. Although originally connected to giving thanks to God, today it is largely a secular celebration.
Q10. Which countries celebrate Thanksgiving?
The U.S., Canada, Liberia, Grenada, Norfolk Island, and American communities worldwide.
Q11. What is Friendsgiving?
A gathering of friends who celebrate Thanksgiving earlier or separately from family.
Q12. What is the purpose of Thanks giving?
To reflect on blessings, appreciate abundance, and promote kindness.
Q13. How do people celebrate Thanksgiving today?
Through family gatherings, feasts, parades, volunteering, and expressions of gratitude.
Q14. What is the Thanksgiving parade?
A large public celebration featuring floats, balloons, music, and performances.
Q15. Why is Thanksgiving important?
It encourages gratitude, unity, and community involvement.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is far more than a holiday marked by feasts and festivities; it is a powerful reminder of the beauty of gratitude, human connection, and the spirit of giving. As families unite, communities support one another, and individuals reflect on their blessings, Thanks giving becomes a celebration of hope, compassion, and shared humanity. Its traditions—deeply rooted in history—continue to inspire people around the world to slow down, appreciate what they have, and create meaningful memories. As we move toward another year, the message of Thanksgiving remains timeless: to give thanks, to give kindness, and to give love.
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Someshwar Chowdhury is a seasoned Chartered Mechanical Engineer, Educator, and Technology enthusiast with over a decade of experience in engineering education and consultancy. Someshwar is also an active blogger, trainer, and member of professional bodies like ISHRAE and GREEN ADD+. When not teaching or consulting, he enjoys blogging, music, and exploring green technologies.
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