The Spirit of Thanksgiving Day (When Is Thanksgiving?)
Thanksgiving is more than just a feast; it’s the simple act of giving thanks that brings millions of Americans together for one truly special day. It is the one time a year when Americans, from coast to coast, pause their busy lives to focus on family, connection, and the bonds that make life meaningful.
When is Thanksgiving this year? For those planning their calendar, Thanksgiving 2025 falls on Thursday, November 27. On Thanksgiving Day, people and families reinforce the values of community and compassion. This season is all about extending ‘Happy Thanksgiving’ blessings to those you cherish and reflecting on the bounty we share.
Why do people want to know when is Thanksgiving this year? Because it allows ample time for preparation, from travel plans to turkey thawing. However, before you send that ‘Happy Thanksgiving’ greeting card or attend a Thanksgiving dinner, it’s important that you know the history of Thanksgiving, its origins, and the traditions associated with the festival. In this blog, we will cover all this and more.
When is Thanksgiving Day?
The United States officially celebrates Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November. This means that the Thanksgiving date changes each year, though the day of the week always remains constant. As mentioned earlier, 27th November, Thursday, will be celebrated as Thanksgiving 2025. USA residents will celebrate the festival on this day. However, in Canada, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday in October, and in Liberia on the first Thursday in November.
We will cover all the Thanksgiving traditions in detail later on in the blog, but to put it briefly, on Thanksgiving Day, people across America follow cherished traditions. The day typically begins with watching the spectacular Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and enjoying the annual NFL football games. In the late afternoon, families gather for the centerpiece event: a feast that involves giving thanks and sharing ‘Happy Thanksgiving’ blessings before a long holiday weekend.
Why Do We Celebrate Thanksgiving?
At its heart, the question, why do we celebrate Thanksgiving, is answered by acknowledging a deeply rooted commitment to gratitude and unity that traces back to 1621. The holiday’s formal origin lies in that first harvest feast shared by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe, establishing the initial history of Thanksgiving as a time to celebrate survival and alliance after a brutal winter. However, what is Thanksgiving today? It extends beyond that single event; it is a fixed national holiday, formally established by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863 to foster healing and unity across a war-torn nation.
We celebrate to maintain this tradition of collective reflection and to honor the enduring American spirit of resilience. The purpose is to pause our busy lives for a dedicated day of appreciation, strengthening family bonds through shared Thanksgiving activities like writing Thanksgiving cards or exchanging Thanksgiving wishes. Whether reciting a Thanksgiving prayer with your family before the meal, sharing ‘Happy Thanksgiving’ sayings, or sending out ‘Happy Thanksgiving’ blessings to loved ones, every custom reinforces the core belief that we must be thankful for the bounty we possess. Ultimately, what is thanksgiving without expressing personal gratitude to those you love and carrying the lessons of the history of Thanksgiving forward into the rest of the year?
History of Thanksgiving & Origins
The origin of Thanksgiving began in 1621, when Pilgrims and Wampanoag Native Americans shared a harvest feast in Plymouth. This was the first Thanksgiving ever celebrated. This three-day event celebrated survival and friendship after a brutal winter, laying the foundation of the festival.
If we are talking about the origin of Thanksgiving, over time, it evolved as colonial communities held similar gatherings, becoming a symbol of unity. By 1863, President Abraham Lincoln’s proclamation made Thanksgiving a national holiday, set on the fourth Thursday of November to heal a divided nation during the Civil War.
So what is Thanksgiving? It’s a day to reflect on resilience and gratitude; it is now a fixed tradition that is celebrated every year. This Thanksgiving history inspires us to carry forward its spirit of togetherness into Thanksgiving 2025. USA residents cherish this legacy, gathering annually to honor Thanksgiving with feasts and gratitude. Communities and families in the States continue to adapt the holiday, blending old customs with new traditions each year.
The Thanksgiving Feast: Popular Dishes and Recipes
The Thanksgiving dinner is the centerpiece of the holiday, a bounty celebrating the harvest and collective gratitude. While the original 1621 feast included deer, fowl, and corn, the modern American Thanksgiving menu is built around a handful of indispensable classics, ensuring that everyone exchanging Happy Thanksgiving blessings leaves fully satisfied.
Classic Dishes of the Thanksgiving Table
The iconic Thanksgiving feast is a blend of savory, sweet, and comforting flavors:
Roast Turkey: The undisputed main course. The tradition of a Thanksgiving turkey is so strong that approximately 46 million are consumed in the U.S. each year. It is typically stuffed and slow-roasted to achieve a moist interior and golden skin.
Mashed Potatoes and Gravy: Creamy mashed potatoes, often accompanied by a rich, savory gravy, are essential for soaking up the remaining plate flavors.
Stuffing (or Dressing): A bread-based mixture cooked inside or outside the bird, often flavored with sage, celery, onions, and broth. This dish is paramount to the Thanksgiving tradition.
Cranberry Sauce: Ranging from canned jelly to homemade sauces with orange zest, the tartness of the cranberry sauce provides a necessary contrast to the richness of the turkey and sides.
Pumpkin Pie: The quintessential dessert, a spiced custard baked in a flaky crust and often topped with whipped cream. Pumpkin pie officially signals the start of the holiday dessert season.
Vegetarian and Vegan Thanksgiving Ideas
As families become more diverse in their dietary choices, the Thanksgiving feast must evolve. A plant-based main ensures all guests can share in the Thanksgiving blessings:
- Turkey Substitute: Options include a hearty Lentil Loaf, Roasted Stuffed Squash, or a savory Seitan roast.
- Creamy Sides: Mashed potatoes can be luxuriously prepared with oat milk and vegan butter.
- Savory Gravy: A rich Mushroom Gravy or Onion Gravy made with vegetable broth provides deep flavor.
- Dessert: A vegan pumpkin pie can be made using coconut milk or cashew cream for the custard.
Tips for Hosting a Stress-Free Thanksgiving Dinner
Preparation is key to a joyful Thanksgiving Day celebration. Knowing when Thanksgiving is this year (it is on November 27th, 2025) allows for ample time for this Thanksgiving countdown.
- Prep Ahead: Make pies, stuffing (if cooking separately), and cranberry sauce up to two days in advance.
- Delegate Sides: Assign side dishes to guests, turning the event into a potluck-style celebration that lightens the host’s burden.
- Thaw Safely: Remember that a large turkey requires approximately one day of thawing in the refrigerator for every four pounds of weight.
Thanksgiving Activities That Bring Families Together
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade:
There are many Thanksgiving traditions that unite families across America. It is an iconic American tradition held annually on Thanksgiving Day in New York City, launching the holiday season with a spectacular three-and-a-half-hour event.
What time is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade? The parade officially begins at 8:30 AM Eastern Time (ET) and runs until approximately noon, moving along a historic 2.5-mile route through Manhattan. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a highly anticipated celebration that is renowned for its signature elements, including massive, towering character balloons of beloved figures, elaborate floats featuring dancers and performers, numerous high school and college marching bands from across the nation, and appearances by top celebrities and Broadway casts. If you’re asking where to watch Thanksgiving Day parade, you can tune in early on NBC to catch the same. The parade’s grand finale is the much-awaited arrival of Santa Claus at Macy’s Herald Square flagship store, officially welcoming the Christmas season.
The Annual Thanksgiving Football Games
For millions of Americans, the rhythm of Thanksgiving Day is set by the sound of the pigskin on the television. The tradition of Thanksgiving football dates back to 1876, with the first professional NFL games beginning in 1920.
NFL Doubleheader: The day typically features two or three major NFL games, traditionally hosted by the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys.
Turkey Bowl: At the community level, many high schools hold their historic rivalry matches, affectionately known as a “Turkey Bowl,” early on Thanksgiving morning. This allows the players and spectators to still make it home for the Thanksgiving dinner.
Giving Back During Thanksgiving: Volunteering and Charity
In the spirit of the holiday’s origin, many families commit to charitable giving and service, reinforcing the collective purpose of giving thanks.
Soup Kitchens and Food Drives: Families volunteer at local soup kitchens to serve Thanksgiving meals to people or communities in need.
Run/Walk Events: Many communities host a “Turkey Trot”—a 5k or 10k race—on Thanksgiving morning. The proceeds often benefit local charities, making it a healthy and community-focused way to begin the Thanksgiving activities.
Regional & Unique Thanksgiving Traditions
While the core elements remain the same, Thanksgiving celebrations feature fun regional customs:
Northeast: The city of Philadelphia hosts the oldest American Thanksgiving parade, dating back to 1920 (predating Macy’s).
Midwest: Holding large Friendsgiving celebrations (a meal with close friends who cannot travel to family) is a popular custom.
The South: Side dishes like pecan pie, cornbread dressing, and oyster stuffing are popular additions to the classic Thanksgiving menu.
Meaning of Gratitude on Thanksgiving
The ultimate answer to the question, “What is Thanksgiving?” lies in the simple, deep commitment to gratitude. The holiday is a spiritual and psychological reset button, inspiring us to carry the spirit of Thanksgiving forward into our daily lives.
The Deeper Significance of Gratitude
Practicing thankfulness moves beyond simply feeling good; it fundamentally changes perspective, promoting emotional and psychological well-being.
Acknowledging Goodness: Gratitude is the conscious recognition that much of the goodness in our lives, from food and shelter to relationships, comes from sources outside of ourselves.
Inspiring Prosocial Behavior: When we feel thankful, we are more likely to exhibit kindness and help others, completing a positive cycle of giving and receiving ‘Happy Thanksgiving’ blessings.
Ideas for Giving Back: The equalall Ideology
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 93-3691588) based in the U.S., equalall empowers community-led organizations globally. Since their start, they’ve helped deliver food, shelter and medical aid to those in need, improving lives and building stronger communities.
You can embody the spirit of Thanksgiving by aligning your charitable efforts with this mission:
Donate on equalall: Commit to a charitable contribution to help equalall continue its global work in providing equal aid for equal lives.
Volunteer Locally: Donate time (service) at local soup kitchens or food drives to address community needs directly.
Practice Gratitude Journaling: Start a daily habit of listing three things you are thankful for, grounding the feeling of Thanksgiving throughout the year.
Community Connection: Check on elderly neighbors or those who are isolated, ensuring the spirit of togetherness and family extends beyond your immediate circle.
How Thanksgiving Is Celebrated Around the World
While the U.S. celebrates Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November, the tradition of celebrating the harvest and giving thanks is a global phenomenon.
Canada: Known as Thanksgiving or Action de grâce, the holiday is celebrated on the Second Monday in October. It is observed earlier than the U.S. due to the earlier harvest season, but the Thanksgiving menu is very similar, featuring turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie.
Liberia: This West African nation celebrates Thanksgiving on the First Thursday in November. Established after the country’s founding by freed American slaves, the feast often features mashed cassava, rice, and spicy chicken or goat.
Japan: On November 23rd, Japan celebrates Kinro Kansha no Hi (Labor Thanksgiving Day). This is a public holiday dedicated to honoring labor, celebrating production, and giving thanks to one another. Children often make cards for essential workers like police and firefighters.
Germany: Known as Erntedankfest (Harvest of Thanks Festival), this religious harvest festival is celebrated on the First Sunday in October. Churches are decorated with harvest wreaths and produce to show communal gratitude.
Fun Facts About Thanksgiving
Here are some engaging facts to share at your next Thanksgiving dinner or to use in your next ‘Happy Thanksgiving’ card!
Presidential Origin: Sarah Josepha Hale, the editor who campaigned for the holiday to be national, also wrote the nursery rhyme, “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”
The Pardon: The tradition of the U.S. President “pardoning” a turkey became a formal annual White House tradition with President George H.W. Bush in 1989.
Feast Calorie Count: The average American consumes about 4,500 calories during the Thanksgiving meal and its associated snacking.
Jingle Bells: The popular Christmas song “Jingle Bells” was originally a song written for Thanksgiving in 1857, titled “One Horse Open Sleigh.”
The Long Drive: Thanksgiving weekend is consistently one of the heaviest travel weekends of the year, as millions of Americans hit the road for their Thanksgiving celebrations.
Thanksgiving Wishes, Quotes, Sayings, Prayers & Songs:
A central element of the modern celebration is the exchange of heartfelt sentiment. Before the carving of the turkey, families often take a moment to exchange ‘Happy Thanksgiving’ wishes or read aloud meaningful Thanksgiving quotes. These moments of spoken gratitude elevate the meal beyond mere consumption, turning it into a truly spiritual and memorable event.
Sharing ‘Happy Thanksgiving’ sayings is one of those Thanksgiving activities that everyone, regardless of age, can participate in. Whether you send digital Thanksgiving wishes to distant relatives or write thoughtful messages inside Thanksgiving cards to close friends, these small acts of communication reinforce the bonds that hold us together. In the hours before the Thanksgiving feast, many turn to the wisdom captured in quotes from Thanksgiving literature, finding the perfect phrase to summarize their feelings of appreciation. This practice transforms personal feeling into shared experience.
Thanksgiving Wishes
Here are some Thanksgiving wishes you can share with your loved ones:
“Wishing you a Thanksgiving filled with bountiful food, cherished family moments, and everything that makes your heart feel grateful. Sending you the warmest Happy Thanksgiving blessings!”
“May your home be warm, your table be full, and your heart overflow with joy this season. I’m taking a moment today for a prayer of Thanksgiving for the gift of having you in my life. Happy Thanksgiving!”
“Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you enjoy the delicious meal and the wonderful company. Wishing you peace, love, and many reasons to smile today.”
Happy Thanksgiving Quotes
Sharing ‘Happy Thanksgiving’ quotes is one of the easiest and most meaningful Thanksgiving activities you can do online. Here are some that you can share with your loved ones:
- “May your stuffing be tasty, your turkey be moist, your potatoes be fluffy, and your heart be full.” — Anonymous
- “We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.” — John F. Kennedy
- “Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us; and that true Thanksgiving comes from the heart, not from the lips.” — Sarah Josepha Hale
These memorable sayings perfectly capture the spirit of the day. Reading these ‘Happy Thanksgiving’ quotes and sharing them with family and friends is a wonderful tradition that connects us across distances. When you reflect on the wisdom contained in these quotes from Thanksgiving history and literature, you truly embrace the core message of gratitude and appreciation. We wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving Prayer
A Thanksgiving prayer serves as a solemn and heartfelt acknowledgement of the blessings and abundance received throughout the year. While the practice has roots in religious traditions, a Thanksgiving prayer can be a non-denominational expression of gratitude, a moment for families and friends to pause before the feast and recognize the sources of their comfort, joy, and sustenance. It encourages a shift in focus from the momentary stresses of life to the enduring gifts of family, friendship, health, and provision.
This moment of collective thanks is an important tradition for many, deepening the meaning of the holiday beyond the food and festivities. Common themes in these prayers include thanks for the food on the table, the bonds of loved ones gathered, peace, good health, and an acknowledgement of a higher power or guiding force. The simple act of reciting a Thanksgiving prayer together fosters a spirit of humility and shared appreciation, setting a warm, reflective tone for the rest of the day.
Example of Thanksgiving Prayers People Sing or Can Sing:
Traditional Christian Blessing: “Bless us, O Lord, and these thy gifts, which we are about to receive from thy bounty, through Christ our Lord. Amen.”
A Non-Denominational Gratitude Prayer: “For the food we are about to eat, for the family and friends gathered here, and for the bounty of the world, we give our sincere thanks. May our hearts be open to all the good in our lives. Amen.”
Thanksgiving Songs
Thanksgiving songs offer a festive and harmonious way to celebrate the holiday, combining themes of harvest, gratitude, and coming together. Unlike Christmas music, the Thanksgiving playlist is a diverse collection that ranges from traditional hymns and folk songs about bountiful harvests and family journeys to modern pop and country tunes focused on general thankfulness and homecomings. They help create a warm and nostalgic soundtrack for cooking, traveling, and gathering with loved ones.
Many of the most popular songs evoke a strong sense of tradition and family togetherness, often associated with childhood or long-held family customs. Whether it’s an upbeat song to play while preparing the meal or a quiet hymn sung around the table, these melodies infuse the day with the core spirit of thankfulness. They celebrate the simple yet profound act of being present with those you love and of appreciating life’s gifts.
Examples of Thanksgiving Songs People Sing or Can Sing:
- Traditional/Hymns:
- “We Gather Together”: A classic Christian hymn often sung at the table, focusing on giving thanks to God.
- “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come”: A well-known harvest hymn.
- “Over the River and Through the Woods”: While sometimes sung at Christmas, its original 1844 poem was about a Thanksgiving journey to Grandmother’s house.
- Contemporary/Pop:
- “I’ve Got Plenty to Be Thankful For” (Bing Crosby)
- “We Are Family” (Sister Sledge)
- “Thankful” (Josh Groban)
Thanksgiving Countdown and Family Preparation
Once the date is set and the early traditions are covered, attention turns to the Thanksgiving countdown, the final weeks of planning and preparation. For everyone asking how many more days till Thanksgiving, it’s on the 27th of November. The period before the actual day is characterized by intense scheduling and joyful anticipation. Because the specific Thanksgiving date shifts every year, knowing when is Thanksgiving allows families to coordinate travel and meal prep perfectly. The Thanksgiving countdown is a busy time when the deeper history of Thanksgiving is often discussed in schools and homes, reinforcing the lessons of gratitude for children. Families use this time to solidify which Thanksgiving activities they will participate in, beyond the main feast.
Family Thanksgiving Activities in the Countdown
As the Thanksgiving date draws near, families engage in several key activities:
Meal Planning & Shopping: The menu is finalized, and complex dishes like turkey and stuffing are assigned. What day is Thanksgiving on this year? It’s on Thursday, but knowing this piece of information influences when people start thawing the turkey and which days they dedicate to baking.
Home Decorating: Many homes are decorated with autumn leaves, pumpkins, and other harvest-themed décor. This is one of those cozy Thanksgiving activities that help set the festive mood.
Charitable Giving: Many families dedicate time during the Thanksgiving countdown to volunteer or organize food donations, living up to the spirit of the holiday’s origin.
Connecting with Loved Ones: Writing out and mailing Thanksgiving cards or sending personal Thanksgiving wishes is essential during this period to ensure everyone receives their ‘Happy Thanksgiving’ blessings in time.
Every planned event in the Thanksgiving countdown is a nod to the long history of Thanksgiving and an effort to share ‘Happy Thanksgiving’ blessings with others. As the days tick closer, the excitement builds, leading to that final moment of shared gratitude on Thanksgiving Day.
FAQs About Thanksgiving
Q1. When is Thanksgiving, and when is Thanksgiving 2025?
The U.S. officially celebrates Thanksgiving Day on the fourth Thursday of November every year. For those planning ahead, Thanksgiving 2025 is on Thursday, November 27th. Knowing the Thanksgiving date is key to starting the Thanksgiving countdown and prep in advance.
Q2. What is Thanksgiving and why is it celebrated?
Thanksgiving is an annual national holiday in the U.S. celebrating a bountiful harvest and expressing gratitude for the blessings of the past year. We celebrate because Thanksgiving traces back to the historical 1621 gathering where the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe joined together for a harvest meal.
Q3. What is the purpose of Thanksgiving or why do we celebrate Thanksgiving?
The core purpose of Thanksgiving is to take a day off from our busy lives to appreciate, reflect, and strengthen family and community bonds through a shared meal and the exchange of ‘Happy Thanksgiving’ blessings and Thanksgiving wishes. It’s about practicing giving thanks.
Q4. What is the full meaning of Thanksgiving?
The full meaning of Thanksgiving is the collective act of giving thanks for survival and the current bounty. It was formalized as a national holiday by President Lincoln in 1863 to promote national unity and healing, making it a day for profound gratitude and togetherness.
Q5. Is Thanksgiving bigger than Christmas?
While Christmas is a longer season focused on gift-giving, many Americans consider Thanksgiving Day itself to be the more important single day for mandatory family gathering and enjoying the traditional Thanksgiving feast. If you ask ‘what is Thanksgiving?’ Simply put, it is deeply rooted in food and family togetherness.
Q6. When was the first Thanksgiving celebrated?
The very first Thanksgiving celebration took place in 1621 in Plymouth, Massachusetts. This historical harvest feast, which defines the origin of Thanksgiving, was shared by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Native Americans.
Q7. How many days until Thanksgiving 2025?
The exact number of days depends on when you are reading this! Thanksgiving 2025 will be celebrated on Thursday, November 27th. To find your Thanksgiving countdown, simply count the days remaining until that date. Thanksgiving Day is celebrated every year on the fourth Thursday of November.
Q8. Why is Thanksgiving celebrated?
Thanksgiving is celebrated for two main reasons:
Historical Origin: It commemorates the harvest celebration held in 1621, which brought together the early English settlers (Pilgrims) and the Wampanoag people. It’s a day to remember survival and alliance.
National Unity and Gratitude: It is a national holiday, formally established by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, to promote unity and encourage the nationwide practice of gratitude for the blessings and bounty of the past year. Essentially, the core purpose of Thanksgiving is giving thanks.
Q9. When does the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade start?
The iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade always starts promptly at 8:30 AM Eastern Time (ET) on Thanksgiving Day and runs until 12:00 PM ET. It is broadcast live on NBC and simulcast on the Peacock streaming service, allowing families across the country to wake up to this beloved Thanksgiving tradition.
10. When is Thanksgiving break, and how long does it last?
The length of Thanksgiving break depends on whether you are asking about a national work holiday or a school/university break.
For Most Workers: The official national holiday is Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, November 27th, 2025). Most companies and government offices also observe the day after, Black Friday (Friday, November 28th), resulting in a standard four-day weekend (Thursday-Sunday).
For Schools and Universities: The break is typically longer. Most K-12 schools and colleges close for the entire week of Thanksgiving, starting as early as Monday, November 24th, through Sunday, November 30th, giving students a full week off.
Q11. What is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade route?
The official route for the 2.5-mile parade through Manhattan is as follows:
Start: Central Park West at West 77th Street.
Leg 1: South down Central Park West to Columbus Circle.
Leg 2: East along Central Park South.
Leg 3 (Main): South down 6th Avenue to West 34th Street.
End: West onto West 34th Street, finishing in front of Macy’s Herald Square.
Q12. How to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
There are three main ways to watch the parade:
1. At Home: Watch the official national telecast on NBC or stream it live on Peacock. The broadcast typically runs from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. EST.
2. Public Street Viewing (Free): Find a spot along the designated public viewing areas of the 2.5-mile route in Manhattan, such as Central Park West (from 75th to 61st Streets) or 6th Avenue (from 59th to 38th Streets). Arriving very early (typically by 6:00 a.m.) is strongly recommended to secure a spot.
3. VIP/Indoor Viewing (Paid): Book a hotel room with a direct parade view or purchase a ticket for a parade viewing brunch hosted by various restaurants or venues along the route for a warmer, more comfortable experience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Thanksgiving is more than just a date on the calendar. It’s a powerful, annual tradition that connects the history of Thanksgiving to our modern celebration of family and abundance. From the grand spectacle of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to the shared turkey feast, the holiday is a reminder of the human need for gratitude and unity.
As the Thanksgiving countdown winds down, remember that the true spirit of Thanksgiving isn’t measured in the size of the meal, but in the depth of the thankfulness we share. This year, as you embrace cherished traditions and share your ‘Happy Thanksgiving’ blessings, challenge yourself to carry that practice of giving thanks beyond your holiday table. Let your gratitude inspire action.
If you’re looking for a meaningful way to extend your blessings globally, please consider supporting equalall and empowering community-led organizations to provide communities in need with food, shelter, medical support and life-saving aid. Turn your Thanksgiving wishes into real-world impact this year.
