Why is Thanksgiving Celebrated

 

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, and for good reason. It’s not just about the delicious food (though, let’s be honest, that’s a big part of it!)—it’s about gratitude, family, and remembering the origins of this special day. So why is Thanksgiving celebrated, and what’s the deal with it always being on a Thursday? Let me share my thoughts and what I’ve learned about this meaningful tradition.

Thanksgiving started hundreds of years ago, long before it became a national holiday. It dates back to 1621 when the Pilgrims, who had traveled from England to America seeking religious freedom, sat down with the Wampanoag people to share a meal. That year, after surviving a harsh winter and seeing their crops finally grow, the Pilgrims wanted to express their gratitude for the harvest and the help they received from the Indigenous people.

That first meal wasn’t exactly like the Thanksgiving dinners we have today. Instead of turkey and mashed potatoes, there were likely wild game, fish, and seasonal vegetables. Still, the heart of it was the same—thankfulness, community, and celebrating blessings, big and small.

As years went by, people in different parts of the country started having their own Thanksgiving celebrations to give thanks for their harvests and good fortune. But it wasn’t until 1863, during the Civil War, that Thanksgiving became a national holiday. President Abraham Lincoln declared the last Thursday of November a day for all Americans to pause and be grateful, even in tough times.

So why is Thanksgiving on a Thursday? I wondered this myself. It turns out that Thursdays were seen as a practical day to celebrate. Back then, Sundays were for church, and having Thanksgiving on a Thursday allowed people to have a long weekend before getting back to work. This tradition stuck, and to this day, Thanksgiving always falls on the fourth Thursday of November. It’s one of those little quirks of history that has stood the test of time.

For me, Thanksgiving is about so much more than just the history. It’s a chance to slow down and really think about what I’m thankful for. Life moves so fast, and it’s easy to focus on what’s going wrong instead of what’s going right. But sitting down with family, sharing a meal, and reflecting on our blessings reminds me to stay grounded and appreciate the good things in life.

So this Thursday, while you’re enjoying turkey, pie, or whatever is on your table, take a moment to think about why Thanksgiving is celebrated. It’s not just a holiday; it’s a mindset. It’s about finding gratitude in the everyday and connecting with the people who make life meaningful.

Right after Thanksgiving comes another tradition that has taken on a life of its own—Black Friday. It’s the day when stores offer massive discounts, and people rush to grab the best deals for the upcoming holiday season. The name “Black Friday” originated from the idea that it’s the day businesses go from operating "in the red" (losing money) to "in the black" (making a profit). For many families, it’s become a tradition to wake up early, brave the crowds, and start holiday shopping together. While it can get a bit chaotic, I think of it as another way people come together—this time for the thrill of snagging a bargain or two. Whether you participate or not, Black Friday is a fascinating part of how Thanksgiving has evolved in modern times.

Before you leave this page, let me ask you: What are you most thankful for this year? Let’s make gratitude go beyond one day.