Giving Thanks: A Joyful Celebration of Gratitude and Togetherness

Written by Zarifa Mammadli

Thanksgiving is a national holiday celebrated in many regions such as the United States, Canada, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and informally in countries such as Brazil and the Philippines. It is observed during autumn, but the dates may differ in each country. While it is celebrated on November 23, 2024 in the United States and Brazil, it is celebrated on October 25 in Grenada. Thanksgiving has its roots in a harvest festival celebrated by Pilgrims and Native Americans in 1621. The Pilgrims, the early European settlers, held a feast to give thanks for a successful harvest and to show their appreciation towards the Native Americans who helped them survive in their new world. Over time, Thanksgiving became an annual tradition, and today it is a time to gather with loved ones, express your gratitude, and enjoy delicious meals together. It is a precious time when we are reminded to be thankful for the blessings in our lives. 

Interesting facts about Thanksgiving:

• Turkeys might not have been on the menu on the 1st Thanksgiving, but over time, they became the most popular option due to the abundance of turkeys in the country and the type best suited for slaughter.

• The average number of calories consumed on Thanksgiving is 4,500.

• Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving as a national holiday on October 23, 1863. 

•  It is estimated that Americans spent $949 million on Thanksgiving turkeys annually.