Thanksgiving is more than turkey and pie—it’s a day rooted in gratitude, history, and togetherness.

Every year on the fourth Thursday of November, families across the United States gather to celebrate Thanksgiving. While many picture the famous 1621 feast between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe, historians remind us that thanksgiving observances existed long before and after that moment. Early colonists, Indigenous peoples, and even communities in Europe held harvest festivals to honor abundance and survival. Over time, these traditions evolved into the national holiday we know today.

The modern Thanksgiving was officially proclaimed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, during the Civil War, as a way to unite a divided nation. Since then, it has grown into a holiday that blends solemn reflection with joyful celebration.

The centerpiece of Thanksgiving is the meal: roast turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Yet food is only part of the story. Families often watch football, volunteer at shelters, or tune in to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, a tradition that began in 1924 with costumed employees and live animals, later evolving into the iconic balloon-filled spectacle.

At its heart, Thanksgiving is about gratitude—pausing to appreciate blessings, both big and small. It’s also a time to acknowledge the complex history behind the holiday. While the Plymouth story is often romanticized, it’s important to remember the diverse communities and traditions that shaped this day.

Today, Thanksgiving invites us to slow down, share a meal, and reflect on what truly matters: family, community, and thankfulness. Whether through laughter around the table, a quiet moment of prayer, or acts of kindness, the spirit of Thanksgiving continues to remind us that gratitude is timeless.