Celebrate Thanksgiving 2023 in USA with gratitude and joy. Discover traditions, recipes, and festivities that make this day special.
Thanksgiving Day is a national holiday in the United States that celebrates the harvest and the blessings of the past year. It is a time for families and friends to gather together, share a traditional meal, and express gratitude for all they have. But when is Thanksgiving Day 2023 in USA, and what is the history and significance of this holiday? Here are some facts and tips to help you plan and enjoy your Thanksgiving Day 2023 in USA.
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When is Thanksgiving 2023 in USA?
Thanksgiving 2023 in USA falls on Thursday, November 23. This date is determined by a federal law that was passed in 1941, which fixed the holiday on the fourth Thursday of November every year. This means that the date of Thanksgiving Day can vary from November 22 to November 28, depending on the year. In 2023, Thanksgiving Day is one of the earliest possible dates, as it is only one day after November 22, the earliest possible date.
Why do Americans Celebrate Thanksgiving Day?
The origin of Thanksgiving Day in the United States is not clear, as there are different claims and stories about the first celebration of this holiday. Some say that the first Thanksgiving Day was held in 1598 in El Paso, Texas, by Spanish explorers. Others say that it was held in 1619 in Virginia, by English colonists. However, the most popular and widely accepted story is that the first Thanksgiving Day was held in 1621 in Plymouth, Massachusetts, by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Indians.
Thanksgiving Day Story
- According to this story, the Pilgrims were a group of religious separatists who fled from England to seek religious freedom in the New World. They arrived in Plymouth in 1620, after a long and difficult voyage on the Mayflower.
- They faced many hardships and challenges in their new land, such as disease, hunger, and cold. Many of them died during the first winter. However, with the help of the Wampanoag Indians, who taught them how to plant corn, beans, and squash, and how to hunt and fish, they managed to survive and harvest their first crop in 1621.
- To celebrate their success and thank God for his providence, they invited the Wampanoag Indians to join them for a three-day feast, which is considered the first Thanksgiving Day.
However, this story is not without controversy, as some Native Americans and their supporters view it as a myth that ignores the oppression and genocide that followed the European colonization of their lands.
They argue that the Pilgrims and other settlers exploited, enslaved, and killed the indigenous people, and that the Thanksgiving Day celebration is a symbol of their domination and injustice. They have organized protests and alternative events, such as the National Day of Mourning, to raise awareness and demand recognition of their rights and history.
How do Americans Celebrate Thanksgiving Day?
Thanksgiving Day is one of the most important and cherished holidays in the United States. It is a time for families and friends to reunite, enjoy a delicious meal, and express their gratitude for each other and for the good things in their lives. Some of the common traditions and activities that Americans do on Thanksgiving Day are:
Cooking and eating a turkey dinner
The centerpiece of the Thanksgiving Day meal is usually a roasted turkey, stuffed with bread, herbs, and spices, and served with gravy, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, corn, and other side dishes. The dessert is usually a pumpkin pie, made with pumpkin puree, eggs, cream, sugar, and spices, and baked in a crust. Other popular desserts include apple pie, pecan pie, and cheesecake. According to the National Turkey Federation, about 46 million turkeys are consumed on Thanksgiving Day in the United States.
Watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is an annual event that takes place in New York City, starting from Central Park and ending at Macy’s department store on 34th Street. It features giant helium balloons, floats, marching bands, celebrities, performers, and Santa Claus. It is broadcast live on television and attracts millions of viewers and spectators. The first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was held in 1924, and it has become a tradition and a spectacle ever since.
Watching football games
Football is a popular sport in the United States, and Thanksgiving Day is a big day for football fans. There are usually three NFL games that are played on Thanksgiving Day, featuring some of the best teams and players in the league. The first game is hosted by the Detroit Lions, the second game is hosted by the Dallas Cowboys, and the third game is hosted by a different team each year. The games are televised nationally and draw millions of viewers and fans. The first NFL game on Thanksgiving Day was played in 1934, and it has become a tradition and a thrill ever since.
Giving thanks and saying grace
Thanksgiving Day is a day to reflect on the blessings and the challenges of the past year, and to express gratitude for the people and the things that matter the most. Many Americans say a prayer or a grace before eating their meal, thanking God for his goodness and mercy, and asking for his guidance and protection. Some also share what they are thankful for with their family and friends, and exchange cards and gifts to show their appreciation and love.
Volunteering and donating
Thanksgiving Day is also a day to remember and help those who are less fortunate and in need. Many Americans volunteer at soup kitchens, food banks, shelters, and other charitable organizations, to serve meals, distribute food, clothing, and other essentials, and offer comfort and support to the homeless, the poor, the sick, and the lonely. Some also donate money, food, or other items to various causes and campaigns, to make a difference and spread the spirit of Thanksgiving.
How to prepare for Thanksgiving Day 2023 in USA ?
Thanksgiving Day 2023 in USA is only a few days away, and if you want to make the most of it, you need to plan and prepare ahead of time. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you get ready for your Thanksgiving Day 2023 in USA:
Make a guest list and send invitations
If you are hosting a Thanksgiving Day dinner, you need to decide who you want to invite and how many people you can accommodate. You can invite your family, relatives, friends, neighbors, co-workers, or anyone else you want to share the holiday with. You can send them invitations by mail, email, phone, or social media, and ask them to RSVP as soon as possible, so you can have an accurate headcount and plan accordingly.
Plan your menu and shopping list
Once you know how many people you are expecting, you can plan your menu and shopping list. You can choose the traditional dishes, such as turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie, or you can try something new and different, such as ham, lasagna, or cheesecake. You can also ask your guests to bring a dish, a drink, or a dessert, to make it a potluck and share the workload. You can find many recipes and ideas online, in magazines, or in cookbooks, to suit your taste and budget. You can also make a shopping list of all the ingredients and supplies you need, and buy them in advance, to avoid the last-minute rush and stress.
Decorate your home and table
You can also decorate your home and table to create a festive and cozy atmosphere for your Thanksgiving Day dinner. You can use items such as candles, flowers, pumpkins, cornucopias, leaves, pine cones, and nuts, to make your own centerpieces, wreaths, garlands, and other ornaments. You can also use tablecloths, napkins, plates, glasses, and cutlery, to set your table and make it look elegant and inviting. You can also play some music, light some incense, or spray some perfume, to add some ambiance and aroma to your home and table.
Cook your meal and enjoy
On the day of your Thanksgiving Day dinner, you can start cooking your meal and enjoy the process. You can follow the recipes and instructions carefully, and use timers, thermometers, and other tools, to make sure your food is cooked properly and safely. You can also enlist the help of your family, friends, or guests, to chop, peel, stir, or serve, and make it a fun and collaborative activity. You can also taste and season your food, and make any adjustments or additions, to make it delicious and satisfying. When your meal is ready, you can gather around your table, say grace, and enjoy your food and company.
Thanksgiving 2023 in India
Thanksgiving 2023 in India will be celebrated on Thursday, November 23, 2023. While Thanksgiving is not a national holiday in India, it is becoming increasingly popular among expatriates and Indians who have lived abroad. Many restaurants and hotels in India will be offering Thanksgiving menus, and there are also a number of events planned for the holiday.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving Day 2023 in USA is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the harvest and the blessings of the past year, and to spend time with your family and friends. It is also a chance to learn about the history and the significance of this holiday, and to appreciate the diversity and the richness of the American culture. Whether you are hosting or attending a Thanksgiving Day dinner, or doing something else, we hope you have a happy and memorable Thanksgiving Day 2023 in USA.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the date of Thanksgiving 2023 in USA?
A: Thanksgiving 2023 in USA falls on Thursday, November 23. This date is determined by a federal law that was passed in 1941, which fixed the holiday on the fourth Thursday of November every year.
Q: What is the origin of Thanksgiving Day in USA?
A: The origin of Thanksgiving Day in USA is not clear, as there are different claims and stories about the first celebration of this holiday. The most popular and widely accepted story is that the first Thanksgiving Day was held in 1621 in Plymouth, Massachusetts, by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Indians, who shared a three-day feast to celebrate their harvest and thank God for his providence.
Q: What are the traditions and activities of Thanksgiving Day in USA?
A: Some of the common traditions and activities of Thanksgiving Day in USA are:
Cooking and eating a turkey dinner, with various side dishes and desserts, such as stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, etc.
- Watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which features giant helium balloons, floats, marching bands, celebrities, performers, and Santa Claus.
- Watching football games, especially the NFL games that are played on Thanksgiving Day, featuring some of the best teams and players in the league.
- Giving thanks and saying grace, before eating the meal, and sharing what they are thankful for with their family and friends.
- Volunteering and donating, to help those who are less fortunate and in need, by serving meals, distributing food, clothing, and other essentials, and offering comfort and support.
Q: How to prepare for Thanksgiving Day 2023 in USA?
A: Some of the tips and suggestions to prepare for Thanksgiving Day 2023 in USA are:
- Make a guest list and send invitations, to decide who you want to invite and how many people you can accommodate, and to get an accurate headcount and plan accordingly.
- Plan your menu and shopping list, to choose the dishes, drinks, and desserts you want to serve, and to buy the ingredients and supplies you need in advance.
- Decorate your home and table, to create a festive and cozy atmosphere for your dinner, and to make your table look elegant and inviting.
- Cook your meal and enjoy, by following the recipes and instructions carefully, and by enlisting the help of your family, friends, or guests, and by tasting and seasoning your food, and by making any adjustments or additions.
