Thanksgiving 2009

Some countries celebrate Thanksgiving as an extra holiday. It is a time for gathering with family and friends. The holiday is often about thanksgiving for the good things in life. The fourth Thursday in November is Thanksgiving in the United States. Canada holds it on every second Monday of October.

The holiday dates back to early harvest festivals. Harvest celebrations and food sharing followed. The first Thanksgiving in America was in 1621 when Pilgrims ate with Native Americans. The harvest and friendship were celebrated.

Traditional Food

The food at Thanksgiving is legendary. Many families cook up an enormous meal. It is most common to serve roast turkey. Some also have stuffing, mashed potatoes, and gravy along with cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. Some families have special recipes or traditions.

People prepare this big meal for days. Share your favorites and try new dishes. And some families have potluck dinners where everybody contributes a dish.

Family Traditions

Thanksgiving brings more than just tasty food to the table. It gathers family and friends too. Many families stick to fun traditions each year. Some cheer for football teams together, while others enjoy playing games or sharing funny stories.

People often share what they're grateful for during this time. This usually happens as everyone sits around the dinner table, ready to eat. They might express thanks for good health, loving family members, or great friendships.

Several towns and cities hold parades or other celebrations on Thanksgiving. The biggest and most famous is probably New York City's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. It draws large floating balloons, and colorful floats, and shows them to the crowds.

Many also start the holidays with Thanksgiving. Most begin planning Christmas and New Year festivities after Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving means gratitude, joy, and time with family and friends.

To learn more, you might also want to read about Black Friday, its origin, shifts, and observance.