The Hilarity and History of Thanksgiving Day in the USA

Ah, Thanksgiving Day! That peculiar time of year when Americans gather together to stuff their faces with turkey, dodge awkward family conversations, and lie about how many servings of pumpkin pie they really had. Officially celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November, this day marks the official kickoff of the holiday season. But what do we really know about it?

As it turns out, this festival is more than just a feast. It’s woven into the fabric of American culture like gravy on mashed potatoes—sometimes thick, sometimes a bit lumpy, but always there. Its history, however, is often as murky as Uncle Joe’s famous “mystery casserole.”

Finding Roots: The First Thanksgiving

Our story begins in 1621. Picture it: a group of English pilgrims who hopped off the Mayflower—not exactly your ideal vacation cruise, right? They were just trying to escape England’s dreary weather and even drearier religious restrictions. They landed in what we now call Massachusetts, and boy, were they in for a shock!

After a brutal first winter that saw more pilgrims disappearing than a magician’s best tricks, they met the Wampanoag people. Under the leadership of Chief Massasoit and with the help of the resourceful Squanto, who apparently had a knack for survival, the pilgrims learned how to grow food, fish, and—most importantly—what NOT to eat when you’re on a two-week camping trip.

By autumn 1621, they finally had enough food to throw a big bash, inviting their newfound friends, the Wampanoag. What followed was a multi-day feast that had more food than a football tailgate, and let’s be honest, probably more awkwardness too! Gratitude was the name of the game, as both groups shared laughter and food, laying the groundwork for what would eventually morph into a holiday that keeps on giving… and giving—like that one relative who insists you take leftovers.

From Feasts to Formalities: Thanksgiving Takes Shape

Fast forward through centuries of uncoordinated gratitude gatherings where everyone had the right idea but not the right date. It wasn’t until 1863 during the tumultuous times of the Civil War when President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday. His aim? To unite a divided country—something that holiday dinner tables sometimes struggle to do even today!

Lincoln declared the last Thursday in November as a day to “praise and give thanks from the heart.” And thank goodness for that! Or we might still be arguing over whether to put raisins in the stuffing—oh wait, never mind, that’s still a debate!

Over the years, this holiday evolved from a somber relinquishment of thanks into the now-familiar Turkey Day. Yet, let’s be real, the fun didn’t stop there. Add in a couple of football games and a parade featuring large inflatable characters that could probably take flight on Thanksgiving cheer alone, and we’ve got ourselves a party.

Thanksgiving Today: A Fork in the Road

Today, the fourth Thursday in November means families across the U.S. gather for a grand feast centered around none other than the majestic roast turkey. Seriously, it’s like the turkey is the celebrity of the day—no pressure, right? A traditional Thanksgiving spread includes stuffing, mashed potatoes smothered in rich gravy, sweet potatoes (because why not), and a variety of desserts like pumpkin pie. Just remember, calories don’t count on holidays, right?

Note: Just don’t be that relative who eats all the pie before anyone else gets a slice; we all know who you are!

Traditions: The Festive Shenanigans

Beyond the meal, Thanksgiving is marked by unique traditions, such as the famed Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Kicking off the day with balloons that are larger than life (and often more popular than the President), this parade has been a staple since 1924.

And let’s not forget about the NFL games! Because what better way to celebrate the blessings in your life than by watching athletes tackle one another while you recover from your turkey coma?

Oh, and just when you thought your wallet could rest, the day after Thanksgiving is affectionately known as Black Friday. That’s right—right after giving thanks, we turn into ravenous shoppers, swooping in on deals like vultures on a roadkill buffet.

Conclusion: Gratitude, Gravy, and Giggles

So there you have it, Thanksgiving—where the spirit of gratitude mixes with love, laughter, and just a hint of chaos. Between the turkey and the traditional family squabbles, it’s a day that reflects both the heart of America and the reason why we all need stretchy pants. As we celebrate this year, let’s remember: gratitude doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should always be plentiful—just like the slices of pie!

El Thanksgiving Day es una de las celebraciones más emblemáticas y celebradas en los Estados Unidos, marcando el inicio de una temporada de festividades invernales. Sin embargo, su significado y raíces históricas a menudo son poco conocidos por aquellos ajenos a la cultura americana.

Unlike other religious or national holidays, this celebration has a history that involves both first European settlers and the indigenous people of North America. Over the centuries, it has evolved to become a tradition that is deeply woven into the fabric of American family life.

The first Thanksgiving Day recognized in United States history took place in 1621, when a group of English pilgrims who had journeyed on the renowned ship Mayflower shared a bountiful feast with the indigenous Wampanoag tribe. This historic gathering unfolded in the colony of Plymouth in present-day Massachusetts.

The pilgrims, who fled England in search of religious freedom, faced a harsh first winter in their new homeland. Upon their arrival in 1620, they were ill-prepared for the extreme climate and unfamiliar living conditions, which tragically led to the deaths of many. However, the arrival of spring brought fresh opportunities for learning from the land and adapting their survival skills.

The Wampanoag, under the wise leadership of Chief Massasoit and with the invaluable assistance of the indigenous Squanto, imparted vital techniques of farming, fishing, and survival to the colonists. Thanks to their teachings, the pilgrims successfully harvested their first substantial crop in the fall of 1621.

To celebrate this successful harvest, the pilgrims organized a grand feast and invited the Wampanoag, who contributed food and joined in the multi-day celebration. This first Thanksgiving Day was a significant moment of gratitude for the blessings they received, symbolizing a profound effort toward collaboration and understanding between two distinct cultures.

Although this inaugural feast of 1621 is recognized as the origin of the tradition, Thanksgiving Day was not officially established as an annual holiday until much later. In fact, over the subsequent centuries, various colonies and states celebrated days of gratitude, but without a fixed date or a formal structure for the holiday.

It was not until the 19th century that Thanksgiving Day began to crystallize as a national celebration. In 1863, amidst the ravages of the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving Day as a national holiday.

In his heartfelt proclamation, Lincoln designated the last Thursday of November as a day to “praise and give thanks from the heart” for the manifold blessings received. This gesture aimed to unify a nation torn by conflict, inviting the populace to reflect and express appreciation despite the myriad challenges they were facing.

As the years rolled on, the Thanksgiving Day celebration transitioned from a purely religious and agricultural observance to a festivity that emphasizes family and gratitude. Throughout the 20th century, additional traditions and customs emerged, further enriching the essence of the holiday in a contemporary context.

Today, Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November each year. In 2024, it will fall on Thursday, November 28. This day signifies the commencement of the winter festive season in the USA, culminating in the joyous celebrations of Christmas and the New Year.

On this special day, families across the nation gather to partake in a special meal, with roast turkey taking center stage. Indeed, in the USA, this festive occasion is affectionately referred to as “Turkey Day.” The traditional menu typically features an array of delectable dishes:

• Stuffing (usually made with bread, herbs, and vegetables)
• Mashed potatoes with gravy
• Cranberry sauce
• Sweet potatoes
• Desserts like pumpkin pie or apple pie

In addition to indulging in a festive meal, it has become a cherished custom for many families to pause before eating to express their gratitude for the events and blessings of the past year. This practice of sharing appreciation has evolved into a vital ritual of Thanksgiving Day.

Aside from the family meal, Thanksgiving Day is also characterized by various traditions that differ from state to state. Among the most well-known is the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade held in New York, which occurs on the morning of Thanksgiving Day. This grand parade, which began in 1924, is famous for its gigantic inflatable balloons, vibrant floats, and live performances by bands and artists, captivating millions of viewers on television each year.

Another beloved tradition on Thanksgiving Day is watching American football games, a sport that holds great popularity in the USA. The NFL hosts several special matches on this day, offering a perfect opportunity for families to gather and enjoy the games after their elaborate meals.

Although Thanksgiving Day was once a distinctly separate event from the Christmas celebrations, in recent decades it has become associated with the onset of the festive shopping season. The day following Thanksgiving, known as Black Friday, is marked by an avalanche of discounts and promotions offered by retailers, attracting millions of eager shoppers across the nation.