ThanksgivingWhat’s it all about?

History of Thanksgiving:

Pilgrims came to the USA in December 1620.

A lot of them died in the first winterWith help from the Native Americans, they

were able to grow food and have a plentiful harvest the next Fall

The First Thanksgiving

The first thanksgiving was in the fall of 1621

It was a big meal to give thanks for surviving and having food for the next winter (was not religious)

The pilgrims and Native Americans (the Wampanoag tribe) worked together to gather and prepare food for the feast

What did they eat?

Meats: fish, venison, maybe turkey

Vegetables: maize, pumpkins

Fruits: apples, pears

Official Thankgiving:

1863 – Abe Lincoln pronounced the last Thursday of November “a day of thanksgiving and praise to the beneficent Father.” (although the first Thanksgiving wasn’t religious).

1939 – President Roosevelt moved the date one week earlier to make Christmas shopping season longer

Thanksgiving now!

When?: 4th Thursday of NovemberWhere?: The USA and CanadaWho?: Everyone. It’s one holiday that

everyone can celebrate regardless of religion, skin color, sexual orientation etc.

What?: FOOD! A lot of it.

What we eat today:

TurkeyStuffingMashed potatoesCranberry sauceCornGreen beansSweet potatoesPies – pumpkin, apple, cherry

Thanksgiving traditions:

Macy’s Day Parade:

President pardons a turkey

Thanksgiving Day football games:

Breaking the wishbone

The most important part of Thanksgiving is thinking about the people and things that you are thankful for.

What are YOU thankful for?