Thanksgiving Day is a federal holiday in the United States, observed on the fourth Thursday of November. It is a day set aside for giving thanks for the blessings of the past year. This designation makes it a public holiday, meaning that government offices are closed. Many schools and businesses also close in observance of Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is traditionally a time for families and friends to gather together for a festive meal. The centerpiece of this meal is typically a roasted turkey, often accompanied by stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. These foods have become synonymous with the holiday and are often featured in Thanksgiving decorations and imagery.
Beyond the family feast, Thanksgiving also marks the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. The day after Thanksgiving, known as Black Friday, is famous for its deep discounts and large crowds at retail stores. This period often extends through the weekend and into Cyber Monday, creating a significant boost for the economy.
Thanksgiving is celebrated across the United States, with variations in traditions and customs depending on regional and family preferences. While many families opt for a traditional meal at home, others may choose to dine out or participate in community events.
Many Americans have the day off from work and school on Thanksgiving, allowing them to travel and spend time with loved ones. This mass movement of people often leads to increased traffic congestion on highways and at airports. Travel planning is essential for those intending to journey during the Thanksgiving holiday period.
The historical roots of Thanksgiving are complex and often debated. While the holiday is popularly associated with a harvest feast shared by the Pilgrims and Native Americans in 1621, this narrative overlooks the subsequent displacement and suffering of indigenous peoples.
For many Native Americans, Thanksgiving is a day of mourning and reflection on the injustices faced by their ancestors. Some participate in protests or alternative observances, such as the National Day of Mourning held annually at Plymouth Rock. This event seeks to acknowledge the historical trauma associated with the arrival of European settlers.
The official establishment of Thanksgiving as a national holiday occurred in 1863, during the Civil War, by proclamation of President Abraham Lincoln. This formalized a tradition that had been celebrated regionally for centuries, albeit on varying dates. The consistent observance of Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November was established in 1941 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
