By Mr. Duermeyer’s Period 3 WIN
Thanksgiving: A Time for Gratitude and Celebration
Thanksgiving is one of the most special holidays of the year. It’s a time when families come together to enjoy delicious meals, play games, and spend quality time with one another. While many people get excited about Black Friday shopping, it’s important to remember that Thanksgiving is about more than just getting gifts. It’s a time to reflect on what we’re grateful for and appreciate the joy of being with family and friends. Whether it’s sharing a heartfelt moment of gratitude or enjoying a fun game together, Thanksgiving brings people closer.
The History of Thanksgiving
The origins of Thanksgiving can be traced back to 1621 when the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people in New England shared a harvest feast. The early colonists celebrated days of thanksgiving to give thanks for safe travels, military victories, or good harvests. These celebrations eventually inspired what we now know as the Thanksgiving holiday. However, Thanksgiving did not become an official holiday until 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed it a national holiday. Lincoln chose the last Thursday of November as the official day, a tradition that continues today.
The Thanksgiving Feast
Thanksgiving is known for its traditional foods, and the meal is often the highlight of the day. One of the most iconic dishes is turkey. Although the Pilgrims might not have eaten turkey at their first feast, the bird became a symbol of Thanksgiving. Today, it’s almost impossible to imagine Thanksgiving dinner without it! Alongside the turkey, families also serve mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Pumpkin pie, in particular, is a dessert with deep roots in Thanksgiving history. Native American tribes taught early settlers how to prepare pumpkins, and by the 1700s, pumpkin pie had become a staple at Thanksgiving tables.
Family Traditions and Celebrations
Thanksgiving is also a time for family traditions. Each family celebrates in their own unique way. Some families have a “kids’ table” while others might play games like a Connect Four tournament after dinner. Watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is another popular tradition, where families gather to enjoy the floats, performances, and balloons. Some families travel out of town to visit relatives, while others stay home and enjoy the day together. No matter the tradition, Thanksgiving is about creating memories and being together.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
One of the most famous traditions on Thanksgiving Day is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which began in 1924. This parade, held in New York City, is filled with giant character balloons, marching bands, and performances from Broadway stars and celebrities. People gather to watch the parade in person, or they enjoy it from the comfort of their homes. Famous balloons like Snoopy, SpongeBob, and the Minions float through the streets, making it a spectacle that people of all ages look forward to every year.
Thanksgiving and Football
Football and Thanksgiving have been connected for over a century. The tradition of playing football on Thanksgiving dates back to 1876, when Yale and Princeton football teams played each other on this day. Today, watching football games has become a major part of Thanksgiving celebrations for many families. From NFL games to local high school matches, football provides entertainment and a fun activity for families to enjoy together.
Volunteering and Giving Back
While Thanksgiving is often about feasting, it’s also a time to think about others. Many families take the opportunity to give back by volunteering at food banks or shelters. For those who can’t afford a traditional Thanksgiving meal, it’s important to help provide food and support. Donating food like cranberry sauce, boxed stuffing, or canned vegetables to local food banks can make a big difference in someone’s life. Volunteering is a way to spread kindness and show gratitude for the things we have.
Thanksgiving Around the World
Although Thanksgiving is most closely associated with the United States, people around the world also celebrate similar harvest festivals. In Canada, Thanksgiving is celebrated in October, and people enjoy family gatherings just like in the U.S. Other countries, like China, Taiwan, and Vietnam, celebrate harvest festivals to give thanks for a good crop season. While the traditions may differ, the message is the same: gratitude for the blessings in our lives and the importance of spending time with loved ones.
Fun Facts and Trivia
Did you know that the first Thanksgiving lasted for three days? And although Thanksgiving wasn’t made a national holiday until 1863, it has roots going back to 1621, when the Pilgrims and Native Americans came together for that famous feast. Thanksgiving has grown to become a cherished holiday in America, with traditions like the Macy’s Parade and football games adding to the fun.
My Favorite Thanksgiving Memory
Every year, my family and I gather at my aunt’s house, which is tucked away in the woods. Before dinner, my cousins and I run around outside playing baseball, volleyball, and exploring the woods. When it’s time for dinner, we split into two tables: one for the adults and one for the kids. We have turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, and corn—plenty to fill us up! After dinner, we have a big Connect Four tournament, where everyone gets a chance to play. The winner gets a trophy that says “Connect Four Champion.” It’s these traditions that make Thanksgiving special to me.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is more than just a holiday for food and fun—it’s a time to come together with family and friends to give thanks for the blessings we have. Whether it’s through the traditional feast, the Macy’s Parade, football, or volunteering, Thanksgiving reminds us of the importance of gratitude and togetherness. So, this year, take a moment to reflect on what you’re thankful for and enjoy the time spent with those you care about.
The SAMS Salmon 