Thanksgiving Day is traditionally a day for families and friends to get together for a special meal. The meal often includes turkey, stuffing, potatoes, cranberry sauce, gravy, pumpkin pie, and vegetables. It is a time for many people to give thanks for what they have. Thanksgiving Day traditionally kicks off the 'holiday season' in the United States. In fact, more people in the US celebrate Thanksgiving than do Christmas.
History
Thanksgiving Day has been an annual holiday in the United States since 1863. Not everyone sees Thanksgiving Day as a cause for celebration. Each year since 1970, a group of Native Americans and their supporters have staged a protest for a National Day of Mourning at Plymouth Rock in Plymouth, Massachusetts on Thanksgiving Day. American Indian Heritage Day is also observed at this time of the year.
There are claims that the first Thanksgiving Day was held in the city of El Paso, Texas in 1598. Another early event was held in 1619 in the Virginia Colony. Many people trace the origins of the modern Thanksgiving Day to the harvest celebration that the Pilgrims held in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1621. However, their first true thanksgiving was in 1623, when they gave thanks for rain that ended a drought. These early thanksgivings took the form of a special church service, rather than a feast.
Why do Americans eat turkey on Thanksgiving Day?
A theory says the choice of turkey was inspired by Queen Elizabeth I who was eating dinner when she heard that Spanish ships had sunk on their way to attack England. Queenie was so thrilled with the news she ordered another goose be served. Some claim early US settlers roasted turkeys as they were inspired by her actions. Others say that as wild turkeys are native to North America, they were a natural choice for early settlers.
Classic Thanksgiving dishes
Family, football, parades, and Black Friday frenzies are all fun parts of Thanksgiving, but let's face it - we all LOVE the food! So here are some of the items you definitely do not want to miss:
Turkey: and/or ham, goose and duck or turduken (a spatchcocked combo of three whole birds!)
Stuffing (also known as dressing): a mix of bread cubes, chopped celery, carrots, onions and sage stuffed inside the turkey for roasting. Chestnuts, chopped bacon or sausage, and raisins or apples are also sometimes included in the stuffing.
Pies: pumpkin pies are most common, but pecan, apple, sweet potato and mincemeat pies are also quite popular.
Things to watch out for this Thanksgiving:
If this one’s your first Thanksgiving in the US, here are some useful things to do in order to make your weekend memorable. Some of the attractions you could enjoy are as follows:
Black Friday shopping doubles as a competitive sport, so be prepared to get up early - really early - to snag the biggest bargains. A favorite spot for prime Black Friday bargain-scoring territory in the middle of Boston is Newbury Street where you'll find everything from designer boutiques to top-end consignment stores to big-box discounters such as H&M ... all competing for shoppers with low discount prices. For the biggest bargains, head down to Wrentham Outlets- but expect massive crowds, so go very early to get parking, or relax while a luxury coach takes you there.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Before America gets turnt on Turkey and settles in to watch some football, all eyes turn to Manhattan and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2016. The annual pageant of giant balloons, floats, cheerleaders, clowns, marching bands, theater and Broadway in New York performances and celebs is one of the best NYC events in November. Sure, it’s fun to watch in your PJs, but there’s nothing like watching the procession in person.
Peterborough Thanksgiving Eve Contra Dance: Peterborough Town Hall, 1 Grove St., Peterborough, N.H
Folk music fans might want to check out a spirited performance from Becky Tracy, Keith Murphy, and David Cantieni, sponsored by the Monadnock Folklore Society on Nov. 23, from 8 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Admission: $10
8th annual Turkey Trot: InspireME Personal Fitness Training Studio, 30 Front St., Bath, Maine
Spread your altruistic Thanksgiving spirit by walking at InspireME's annual Turkey Trot to benefit the Bath Soup Kitchen. It's a 3-mile stroll, or run, through Bath, and registration is from 7 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. on Nov. 24. The race starts at 8:30 a.m.
Parade of Big Balloons: Tower Square, Springfield
Along with the famous giant balloon in the likenesses of Cat in the Hat, Santa Claus is said to be making a special appearance at this Nov. 25 event.
This is going to be my first Thanksgiving as well in the US, and my personal favorite is undoubtedly the food. I am excited to munch on the food items for the special occasion and certainly looking forward to it. I hope you guys have a good one too.
Cheers!!
