Thanksgiving
Gather around the table and give thanks this Thanksgiving - indulge in delicious food, quality time with loved ones and make memories to last a lifetime!
Introduction
Thanksgiving is an annual holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States. This day has been celebrated since 1621, when the Pilgrims and Native Americans shared a feast to celebrate their first harvest. Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends and loved ones to come together and give thanks for all that they have. It's also a great opportunity to enjoy traditional dishes like roast turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie and much more! So get ready to gather your nearest and dearest and join in this yearly celebration of gratitude!
🦃 Thanksgiving Countdown
Thursday
26
November 2026
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Thanksgiving Timeline
1621
First Thanksgiving
Pilgrims and Native Americans shared a feast to celebrate the successful harvest, considered the "First Thanksgiving".
1789
Thanksgiving's National Proclamation
President George Washington proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday to be celebrated on November 26.
1863
Lincoln sets Thanksgiving date
President Abraham Lincoln officially set the date of Thanksgiving to the final Thursday in November.
1939
Change to third Thursday
President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved the holiday a week earlier, to the third Thursday of November, intending to boost the economy during the Great Depression.
1941
Return to Fourth Thursday
Due to public backlash, Roosevelt signed a bill into law officially making Thanksgiving the fourth Thursday in November.
1950s
Football becomes Tradition
Watching football games on Thanksgiving Day becomes a popular tradition, with NFL teams regularly hosting games on this holiday.
How to Celebrate Thanksgiving
1
Gather around the table
Gather together with your family and friends to give thanks for all that you have. Enjoy a delicious meal, share stories, and make memories.
2
Watch a Thanksgiving movie
Grab some popcorn and snuggle up on the couch to watch a Thanksgiving classic, like A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving or Planes, Trains & Automobiles.
3
Host a potluck dinner
Invite friends and family to bring their favorite side dishes or desserts to share with everyone. This is a great way to enjoy all of the classic Thanksgiving flavors without doing all of the cooking yourself.
4
Decorate the house
Break out the fall decorations to get your house ready for the holiday season. Whether you opt for traditional colors like orange and brown, or something more modern with metallic accents, decorating your home is sure to get you into the Thanksgiving spirit.
5
Volunteer
Spend some time giving back by volunteering at your local food pantry, soup kitchen, or homeless shelter. It's a great way to show your appreciation for all that you have.
Why We Love Thanksgiving
A
It's a time to give thanks and show appreciation
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to express gratitude for all of the blessings that we have in our lives. Whether it's reflecting on moments spent with family or recognizing achievements made throughout the year, Thanksgiving can be a great reminder to slow down and appreciate what we have.
B
It's a time of togetherness and celebration
Thanksgiving offers us an opportunity to get together and celebrate our relationships. Whether you gather around the kitchen table or host a full dinner party, taking time to enjoy each other's company can be extremely rewarding and bring lots of joy!
C
It's a day dedicated to delicious food
Of course, the highlight of any Thanksgiving feast has got to be the amazing selection of food - from turkey to stuffing, mashed potatoes to gravy; whatever your favorite food is, you can guarantee that it will make an appearance on the Thanksgiving menu!
Thanksgiving FAQs
When is Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving is celebrated every year on the fourth Thursday in November, and in 2026, it will take place on November 26, which is a Thursday.
Is Thanksgiving a federal holiday?
Yes, Thanksgiving is a federal holiday in the United States. Government offices, schools, and most businesses are closed.
Why do Americans celebrate Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving honors the harvest feast shared by the Pilgrims and Native Americans in 1621. Today, it’s about gratitude, family, and reflection.
Top Emojis for Thanksgiving
🦃
Turkey
Nothing says Thanksgiving like the classic turkey. It’s the centerpiece of most dinners and a beloved holiday symbol across the U.S.
🍂
Fallen Leaves
Represents the cozy autumn vibe of Thanksgiving, reflecting nature’s seasonal colors and the feeling of gathering as the weather cools.
🥧
Pie
Pumpkin pie, apple pie, pecan pie—Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without dessert. This emoji brings warm, sweet holiday memories to mind.
Thanksgiving Dates
Year
Date
Day
2025
Nov 27
Thursday
2026
Nov 26
Thursday
2027
Nov 25
Thursday
2028
Nov 23
Thursday
2029
Nov 22
Thursday
