Thanksgiving is a popular American holiday, celebrated annually. It is primarily associated with the United States, where it falls on the fourth Thursday in November. Generally, people know that it is a day for giving thanks and that Thanksgiving dinner consists of turkey, but what else do we know about it? In this article, we’ll give you some information about Thanksgiving, such as the meaning of this day, activities, and well-wishes.
The origins of Thanksgiving holiday
In the United States, the history of Thanksgiving is almost always traced back to 1621 and the event commonly known as the First Thanksgiving. It was celebrated by the Pilgrim Fathers, a group of European settlers in the Plymouth Colony, which is now part of the state of Massachusetts.
The Pilgrims were celebrating their first harvest in the New World and marked the occasion with a lavish three-day feast, attended by both Pilgrims and Native Americans. It is believed that the Pilgrims were influenced to do this by similar practices they had observed in Europe.
In the aftermath, many other colonies set aside specific days to give thanks to God for their blessings. A proclamation by George Washington in 1789 led to Thanksgiving becoming a national celebration, and it was established as a federal holiday on the fourth Thursday of November by Abraham Lincoln in 1863 .
Meaning of Thanksgiving: Praise to God
In the Bible, thanksgiving means devotion, sacrifice, praise, or offering. Thanksgiving is a way to glorify God as an act of worship, expressing gratitude for all things as part of God's providence. Allabouthistory.org provides a beautiful definition of Thanksgiving, emphasizing its primary focus on relationships:
The true meaning of Thanksgiving focuses on relationships. Thanksgiving is a relationship between God and man. Upon their arrival at New Plymouth, the Pilgrims composed The Mayflower Compact, which honored God. Thanksgiving begins with acknowledging God as faithful, earnestly giving Him thanks, in advance, for His abundant blessings.
How Thanksgiving holiday is celebrated today
Today, in the United States, Thanksgiving celebrations largely revolve around enjoying a bountiful meal, which almost always includes turkey. It is estimated that between 85 and 91 percent of Americans partake in turkey, and Thanksgiving is sometimes affectionately referred to as ‘Turkey Day.’ Other traditional foods enjoyed on Thanksgiving include pumpkin pie, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, and cranberry sauce.
Typically, Americans spend the day with their families or a group of friends, giving thanks for the blessings in their lives. This sometimes includes a religious element, with many people attending religious services or offering a prayer before their meal.
Many Americans attend local Thanksgiving Day parades, and these parades are often televised. Furthermore, for many, American Football plays a significant role in the day's festivities, and the National Football League has hosted a game on Thanksgiving Day every year since its inception.
Fun Thanksgiving activities to bring the whole family or friends together
Make 2023 your happiest year by planning a few Thanksgiving activities for the whole family and friends to enjoy.
Get outdoors
- Take a post-meal walk
The simplest of Thanksgiving activities might be our favorite. After you've enjoyed seconds and thirds, grab the family and your walking shoes for a trip around the neighborhood. Instead of falling asleep on the couch, add some liveliness to the day by taking a quick walk - it's good for the body and soul. Bundle up and enjoy the Christmas lights that a few neighbors couldn't wait any longer to put up!
- Hunt for pumpkins
Take a page from Easter's book by hiding mini pumpkins throughout your yard - or house, if you have an extra snowfall - to see who can capture the most. Since these little pumpkins look great when painted, try adding special notes or symbols to specific pumpkins and make a game of who can find the "special pumpkins."
Give gratitude on the Thanksgiving holiday
- Give thanks at the table
For some, saying prayers precedes any of the food festivities. Take this time to work your way around the table, allowing everyone to share thankfulness and gratitude for the day. If you have little ones in the family, we guarantee you're in for a treat with what's in their hearts and on their minds.
- Gratitude game
Before guests arrive, create a Gratitude Game Board by writing down ideas of things you are grateful for next to different colored circles - use the colors found in your favorite colored candies. When guests arrive, have everyone select a colored candy and ask the question or prompt listed next to the corresponding color.
Play games
- Pumpkin Tic-Tac-Toe
Save some mini pumpkins or repurpose them from your scavenger hunt to create a DIY Thanksgiving version of the tic-tac-toe game. This game is a simple way to use some of your Thanksgiving decor to entertain guests as they wait for the feast to begin.
- Play board games
Play a board game The day is about family. Rather than get lost in your phones or the latest Netflix series, huddle up for good old-fashioned fun. Whether you opt for a classic like Monopoly or a modern twist on charades with Guesstures, playing a board game with family and friends is sure to make you laugh. Plus, you'll make some lasting memories, too.
Thanksgiving wishes and greetings to family and friends
Thanksgiving Day is about more than just baking, cooking, and enjoying wine. It's a time when families come together to share their stories and celebrate all the blessings they've received throughout the year. It's also a special day for people to express their gratitude for everyone in their lives. So, on this precious holiday, make the celebration even more meaningful with these best Thanksgiving wishes and greetings.
- At this time of Thanksgiving celebration, our thoughts turn gratefully to you with warm appreciation. Our best wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving!
- Wishing you the happiness of good friends, the joy of a happy family, and the wonder of the holiday season. Have a memorable Thanksgiving!
- I am enclosing with this greeting the abundant love and God’s blessing for a beautiful long life. May you wake up every morning with renewed hopes and great values. Have a joyous Thanksgiving!
- Gratitude is what makes a soul noble. This Thanksgiving, may you show your gratitude for all your blessings in life. Happy Thanksgiving!
Have you considered getting your Thanksgiving dinner catered this holiday?
With a professionally catered meal, you can focus on spending time doing important things instead of planning your meal, cooking, or washing dishes. Pasta Fresca will handle all the work for you; our traditional Thanksgiving dinner arrives ready to serve. All you need to do is enjoy it! Your guests will appreciate the food, and you will value the convenience and the extra time you have to spend with your loved ones.
To get started on your meal planning, or to get more information about our catering service , please contact Pasta Fresca today.