Hey there, friend! I was just reflecting on the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday and thought it would be fun to dive into the rich traditions and history that make this American holiday so special. And I promise, this isn’t going to be a dry history lesson. We’ll take a friendly and conversational stroll down the memory lane of Thanksgiving. Sit back, grab a cup of coffee or hot apple cider (my personal favorite) and let’s chat about the timeless tradition of Thanksgiving.
A Bit of History
Thanksgiving, as we know it today, was not just a sudden concept but is steeped in centuries of tradition. The first Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1621, by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Indians in Plymouth, Massachusetts. It was a three-day feast, celebrating a good harvest, partnership and survival. But the holiday as we know it didn’t really start to take shape until President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed it a national holiday in 1863 during the Civil War (History.com).
The Fragmented Jigsaw of Traditions
Just like a well-loved jigsaw puzzle, the Thanksgiving holiday has pieces that are uniquely American and some that hail from other customs and countries. There’s the customary turkey, which Benjamin Franklin actually suggested should be the national bird instead of the bald eagle (Smithsonian Magazine). We’ve also got sweet potatoes, corn, and cranberries, all native to America.
Then there’s my favorite parts of the Thanksgiving spread: pumpkin pie and green bean casserole. While pumpkin pie can trace its origins back to the settlers, green bean casserole is a more recent addition, having been created in 1955 by the Campbell Soup Company (Campbells). See what I mean about a patchwork of traditions?
A Personal Slice of Thanksgiving
For me personally, Thanksgiving is more than just about food, though that’s a huge part of it. It’s really about togetherness, gratitude, and love. My family has this little tradition where we each take turns talking about what we’re thankful for. You never realize how fortunate you are until you take a moment to appreciate it.
Passing the Gravy… and the Tradition
Thanksgiving truly is a timeless tradition in America. We’ve dressed the turkey, filled our plates with mounds of mashed potatoes and relished the delectable pumpkin pie for generations. And although the specifics might vary from family to family, the underlying spirit of gratitude, unity and giving thanks remains constant. This is what makes Thanksgiving a truly special holiday. And I hope we keep passing these traditions, like the gravy around the dinner table, for many more generations to come.
Final Thoughts
No matter what shape your Thanksgiving tradition takes, I hope it’s filled with warmth, love, and a lot of delicious food. If you’re like me and also tend to get a little choked up at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (Macy’s), that’s just the cherry on top of the pumpkin pie. Happy Thanksgiving!