Thanksgiving Day 2024: Thanksgiving, a cherished holiday of gratitude and togetherness, is set to be celebrated in the United States on Thursday, November 28, 2024 Observed annually on the fourth Thursday of November, this holiday brings families together around festive meals while reflecting on its historical and cultural roots.
Why is Thanksgiving celebrated on the fourth Thursday?
The tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday dates back to 1941, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed it into law to ensure uniformity. Originally, Roosevelt had proposed the third Thursday during the Great Depression to extend the holiday shopping season, but the idea faced backlash. Congress later fixed the current date for consistency, making it a staple in American life.
How Americans celebrate Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is synonymous with family gatherings and feasts featuring classic dishes like turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Turkey takes center stage on the dinner table, with an estimated 90% of Americans participating in the tradition. Other customs include the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which dazzles viewers with its vibrant floats and performances, and acts of generosity like donating food and essentials to those in need. Another unique highlight is the Presidential Turkey Pardon, where the U.S. President spares a turkey, symbolizing a lighthearted take on the holiday spirit.
The origins of Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving traces its roots to a three-day feast in 1621, celebrated by the Pilgrims in Plymouth, Massachusetts, after their first successful harvest. The gathering, held with the Wampanoag Indians, reflected gratitude and shared cultural traditions. However, the history surrounding the event is nuanced, as it also marks the beginning of complex relations between Native Americans and European settlers.
Beyond the dinner table
Thanksgiving is more than a holiday—it’s a reflection of gratitude, unity, and tradition. From historic significance to modern celebrations, it continues to resonate as a time to cherish loved ones, share meals, and remember the values of generosity and thankfulness.