The History and Tradition of Thanksgiving: A Celebration of Gratitude and Togetherness

When the weather turns cool and the leaves fall from the trees, it means Thanksgiving is near. This American holiday has a long history and is full of traditions. It’s a time when people come together — to eat, to talk, and most of all, to say thank you. Whether you're with family, with friends, or spending it quietly, Thanksgiving is a lovely reminder to stop and feel grateful.

But where did this cherished celebration come from, and how has it evolved over the centuries?

🌽 The Origins: A Harvest Feast in 1621

The story most of us grew up with begins in Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1621. After a brutal winter, the Pilgrims, settlers from England, were helped by the Wampanoag people who taught them how to cultivate local crops and survive in the New World.

To celebrate a successful harvest, the Pilgrims invited the Wampanoag to a three-day feast—a gesture of goodwill and gratitude. There was no pumpkin pie or cranberry sauce as we know it, but plenty of venison, fowl, corn, and other native foods. It was a moment of peace and sharing, though it's important to acknowledge that this history is also complex and layered with the broader impact of colonisation.

🦃 Becoming a National Holiday

While harvest celebrations continued in various forms throughout the colonies, it wasn’t until 1863, during the American Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday, to be celebrated on the last Thursday in November. His proclamation was inspired by the tireless efforts of Sarah Josepha Hale (yes, the author of Mary Had a Little Lamb), who believed the country needed a unifying tradition.

In 1941, the U.S. Congress officially set the date as the fourth Thursday of November, where it remains today.

🍁 Traditions That Stand the Test of Time

Thanksgiving traditions vary from family to family, but there are a few iconic customs that have stood the test of time:

The Thanksgiving Meal

Roast turkey is the star of the show, often accompanied by stuffing (or dressing, depending on where you're from), mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Some families add their own twist—mac and cheese, tamales, or even lasagna!

Giving Thanks

Many households take a moment to go around the table and share what they're thankful for. It’s a simple yet powerful tradition that reminds us of what matters.

Football and Parades

From the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City to a full day of American football, TV traditions have become a big part of the celebration.

Helping Others

Volunteering at a soup kitchen or donating to food banks is a growing tradition for many, keeping the spirit of gratitude and giving alive.

Friendsgiving

Not everyone can be with family, and that’s perfectly okay. Friendsgiving is a newer tradition where friends gather for their own Thanksgiving meal — often a bit more relaxed, potluck-style, and full of laughs. It’s especially popular among young adults and international students.

The “Turkey Trot”

A quirky but healthy tradition! Many towns in the U.S. host a Thanksgiving morning fun run or walk, often called a Turkey Trot. It’s a great way to feel a bit better about all the eating that’s to come — or just to enjoy the crisp autumn air with others.

Crafts and Kids’ Tables

Children often have their own table decorated with handmade crafts — paper turkeys, leaf garlands, and “I’m thankful for…” placemats. These little moments create big memories and help kids join in the spirit of the holiday.

Holiday Movie Marathons

After the feast comes the food coma, and with it: cosy films. Families often watch holiday classics like A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, Home Alone, or even start their Christmas movie traditions early.

Turkey Pardoning

Yes, it's a real thing! Every year, the President of the United States “pardons” a turkey, sparing it from the dinner table. It’s a lighthearted and somewhat odd tradition — but one that’s now part of the national story.

Reading the Mayflower Story

Some families include a moment of storytelling or reading a children’s book about the Pilgrims and Native Americans. It’s a way to pass on the meaning behind the holiday — though today, many also try to reflect on the more difficult truths of colonial history.

The story begins in 1620, when a group of English settlers boarded a ship called the Mayflower and sailed to the New World, hoping for religious freedom. After a long, stormy journey, they landed at Plymouth Rock and faced a harsh winter — but with the help of local Native Americans, they learned how to grow food and eventually held a harvest feast together.

Thanksgiving Playlist

It may not be as famous as Christmas music, but some people love creating a cosy autumn playlist: a mix of folk songs, acoustic covers, or soft jazz to set the mood while cooking or catching up.

Lighting a Candle for Absent Loved Ones

For families who have lost someone, lighting a candle or saying a few words before the meal can be a meaningful and gentle way to honour them.

Thanksgiving Beyond the U.S.

While Thanksgiving is uniquely American, versions of harvest festivals exist around the world. In the UK, Harvest Festival is typically observed in September or October, with church services and community gatherings to give thanks for the season’s bounty.

In Canada, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday of October, with many similar traditions to the American version. And in places where American expats live, you’ll often find a little turkey and pumpkin pie popping up in November.

Final Thoughts

Thanksgiving isn’t just about what’s on the table—it’s about who’s around it. It’s about putting the phones down, reconnecting with family, and remembering that even in difficult times, there is always something to be thankful for.

And if you're someone who loves being organised (like me!), it’s also a brilliant time to start planning for the holidays ahead. Whether you're mapping out December events, tracking family visits, or simply jotting down memories, a beautiful (printed) calendar filled with your own events can be a heartwarming keepsake for the season.