Every year, millions of Americans gather with family and friends to share a meal, give thanks, and reflect on life’s blessings. Thanksgiving is more than just a holiday—it’s a celebration of gratitude, community, and history that dates back centuries. As we approach Thanksgiving 2025, let’s explore when Thanksgiving is celebrated, why Thanksgiving is important, the history behind it, and what to do on Thanksgiving Day to make it truly meaningful.

📅 When is Thanksgiving 2025?

In the United States, Thanksgiving 2025 will be celebrated on Thursday, November 27, 2025.
By law, Thanksgiving Day takes place on the fourth Thursday of November each year. This tradition began in 1941, when the U.S. Congress officially established the date through federal legislation signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

This means the date changes slightly from year to year. For example:

• Thanksgiving 2024 fell on November 28.
• Thanksgiving 2025 will fall on November 27.
• Thanksgiving 2026 will occur on November 26.

The long weekend that follows—often including Black Friday and Cyber Monday—has also become one of the busiest shopping periods in America, marking the unofficial start of the holiday season.

🦃 Why Thanksgiving is Celebrated

So, why is Thanksgiving celebrated? The heart of this holiday lies in giving thanks for the blessings of the past year. It’s a time for reflection, unity, and sharing abundance with others.

The roots of Thanksgiving go back to harvest festivals, which were common among both Indigenous peoples of North America and European settlers. The best-known origin story involves the Pilgrims—English settlers who arrived on the Mayflower in 1620—and their first successful harvest in 1621 in Plymouth Colony (modern-day Massachusetts).

After enduring a brutal winter where many perished, the Pilgrims celebrated a successful harvest with a three-day feast, shared with the Wampanoag people, who had helped them survive by teaching them local agriculture and fishing techniques. That feast, held in the autumn of 1621, is often considered the first Thanksgiving—a symbol of cooperation and gratitude.

Over time, Thanksgiving evolved from a regional harvest celebration into a national holiday that honors gratitude, family, and shared prosperity.

📜 The History of Thanksgiving

The history of Thanksgiving in the United States is a fascinating blend of legend, religion, and politics.

Early Origins

While the 1621 Plymouth feast is the most famous, it wasn’t the only early thanksgiving celebration in America. Similar “days of thanks” occurred as early as 1565, when Spanish settlers held a thanksgiving mass in St. Augustine, Florida. Later, English colonists in Virginia also observed days of prayer and gratitude long before the Pilgrims arrived in New England.

The Colonial Period

Throughout the 1600s and 1700s, days of thanksgiving were proclaimed by local governors or churches. These events were usually tied to successful harvests, victories in battle, or survival through difficult times. They were deeply religious, involving prayer and reflection rather than feasting.

The Birth of a National Holiday

Thanksgiving didn’t become a national tradition until President Abraham Lincoln declared it a holiday in 1863, during the height of the Civil War. Influenced by writer and activist Sarah Josepha Hale—who had campaigned for a national day of thanks for nearly two decades—Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday in November as a day of gratitude and unity.

He wrote, “It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People.”

From that point on, Thanksgiving became a unifying American holiday. Later, in 1941, the date was officially fixed to the fourth Thursday of November to give Americans a consistent holiday schedule.

🍽️ Traditional Thanksgiving Foods

No discussion of Thanksgiving is complete without mentioning the food!
The modern Thanksgiving feast has evolved, but certain dishes have become staples across the country:

• Roast Turkey: The centerpiece of most Thanksgiving dinners, often served with stuffing or dressing.
• Mashed Potatoes and Gravy: A comforting side that pairs perfectly with turkey.
• Cranberry Sauce: A tart contrast to the savory flavors.
• Stuffing or Dressing: Made with bread, herbs, and vegetables, often customized by region or family.
• Pumpkin Pie: A sweet ending that ties back to the autumn harvest.

Many families also add their own traditions—such as mac and cheese in the South, tamales in Mexican-American households or pernil (roast pork) in Puerto Rican celebrations.

❤️ Modern Traditions and What to Do on Thanksgiving Day

Wondering what to do on Thanksgiving Day beyond the big meal? There are countless ways to celebrate that emphasize gratitude and connection.

1. Share a Meal with Loved Ones

The heart of Thanksgiving lies in togetherness. Whether it’s a family dinner, a Friendsgiving gathering, or volunteering at a local shelter, sharing food brings people closer.

2. Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

A New York City tradition since 1924, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade features giant balloons, floats, and musical performances. Millions tune in on TV, while thousands watch it live in Manhattan.

3. Give Back to the Community

Many people mark Thanksgiving by helping others—serving meals at food banks, donating clothing, or supporting local charities. Giving thanks often means giving back.

4. Enjoy Sports and Family Games

From professional football games to backyard touch football, sports have become a beloved Thanksgiving pastime. It’s a lighthearted way to burn off that extra slice of pie!

5. Reflect and Express Gratitude

Take time to acknowledge your blessings. Some families create “gratitude jars” or go around the table sharing what they’re thankful for that year.

6. Start the Holiday Season

After dinner, many families begin decorating for Christmas or planning their Black Friday shopping trips. Thanksgiving marks the official start of the festive season in America.

🌎 Thanksgiving Around the World

While Thanksgiving is primarily an American holiday, similar celebrations exist elsewhere.

• Canada celebrates Thanksgiving on the second Monday in October.
• Liberia observes Thanksgiving as a national holiday, honoring its founding by freed American slaves.
• In countries like Germany (Erntedankfest) and Japan (Labor Thanksgiving Day), harvest and gratitude festivals carry similar meanings.

This global connection reminds us that gratitude transcends borders.

🙏 The Deeper Meaning of Thanksgiving

At its core, Thanksgiving is about more than just turkey and pumpkin pie. It’s a day to pause in our busy lives and appreciate what truly matters—family, health, friendship, and hope.

Though rooted in America’s complex colonial past, the modern spirit of Thanksgiving encourages inclusivity and reflection. Many people now use the day to learn about Indigenous cultures, honor their resilience, and promote understanding between communities.

As we celebrate Thanksgiving 2025, take a moment to remember that gratitude is timeless—and that every act of kindness, no matter how small, contributes to a better world.

🕊️ Final Thoughts

Thanksgiving 2025 will fall on Thursday, November 27, a day when Americans pause to reflect, reconnect, and rejoice. Whether you’re hosting a feast, watching the parade, or volunteering in your community, Thanksgiving remains a reminder of our shared humanity.

So when someone asks, “Why is Thanksgiving celebrated?”—remember that it’s not just about history or tradition. It’s about gratitude, giving, and the joy of coming together.