Thanksgiving Day is one of the most significant holidays celebrated in the United States. It is observed on the fourth Thursday in November every year, and it is steeped in history and tradition. The roots of the holiday stretch back to the 17th century when it was initially celebrated to give thanks for a successful harvest season. Over time, Thanksgiving Day has evolved to be a broader celebration of gratitude and thanks, family and friends, feasting and football.
Typically, Thanksgiving Day in the United States is a day where families and friends gather together for a special meal. At its heart is the traditional Thanksgiving feast, which usually includes such favorites as turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie, all deriving from the inaugural harvest feast of Pilgrim settlers in Plymouth in the 17th century. The day is often seen as the start of the holiday season leading up to Christmas and the New Year.
In addition to the family gatherings and feasts, another popular way Americans celebrate Thanksgiving is through parades. The most famous of these is the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Further, there is a tradition of American football games played on Thanksgiving Day, which offers another dimension of entertainment and excitement to the festivities. The holiday, at its core, is about expressing gratitude and appreciating the positive aspects of life, and is dearly held in the hearts of many Americans.