Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving: History• On Sept. 6, 1620, a group of about 100 Puritans (later known as

Pilgrims) left England for the New World (America) on a ship called the Mayflower.

• The Pilgrims left England to find religious freedom.• Once in the New World, the Pilgrims settled in a town called

Plymouth in what is now Massachusetts. • The Pilgrims were unprepared for the harsh winter and very few of

them survived (only about 50 people survived). • That spring, two Native Americans named Samoset and Squanto

taught the Pilgrims how to plant crops and avoid plants that were poisonous.

• The next harvest was very successful thanks to the Native Americans’ help.

• The Pilgrims decided to throw a celebratory feast and invited the Native American tribes to join them. The celebration lasted for three days.

• This feast is considered the first Thanksgiving.

Plymouth, MassachusettsHome of the first Thanksgiving

The First Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Today

• Thanksgiving is always celebrated on the 4th Thursday in November. This year it’s November 24th.

• Thanksgiving is an American national holiday, which means all government offices, banks, post offices, and schools are closed.

• Many businesses also close on Thursday and Friday for Thanksgiving, to give their employees time with their families.

• Most shops are open on Thanksgiving, though they may close early to go home for dinner with their families.

• Many restaurants stay open for customers who prefer to eat out rather than cook at home.

• Since many people also have Friday off work, the day after Thanksgiving is one of the busiest shopping days of the year. People start buying their Christmas gifts.

Thanksgiving: Traditions

• Thanksgiving Dinner– The biggest symbols of Thanksgiving are the foods Americans

eat for Thanksgiving dinner.

Turkey and stuffing

mashed potatoes and gravy

cranberry sauce

pumpkin pie

Thanksgiving: Traditions• Football

– Most Americans either watch football games on TV or play their own football game.

• Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade– Thanksgiving is associated with the beginning of the Christmas

shopping season. – The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade began in the early 20th

century as a way to attract people to their store. – Today, it takes place in New York City and is the most famous

and biggest parade in the country.

Thanksgiving: Traditions

• Giving Thanks– Typically, during the Thanksgiving dinner each member of

the family will talk about what they are thankful for this year.

What are you thankful for?

• With a partner, discuss the following questions:

1. What or who are you thankful for this Thanksgiving season? Why?

2. Why should people take time to give thanks?

3. Does China have a holiday similar to Thanksgiving?

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

• Audio Clip Activity

Expressing Thanks• Thanksgiving is a time to express what you are thankful for in

your life. Normally, while your family is eating Thanksgiving dinner, everyone will mention something that they are thankful for.

• Activity: What are you thankful for?– Write one paragraph about what you are appreciative for in

your life. – You will share your thoughts with the class.