When Was Thanksgiving 2020

Thanksgiving Day in 2020 was celebrated on Thursday, November 26th. This annual holiday is observed in the United States and Canada, although the date differs between the two countries.

History of Thanksgiving

The origins of Thanksgiving can be traced back to the early 17th century when English colonists and Wampanoag Native Americans shared a harvest feast in Plymouth, Massachusetts. This event, often referred to as the “First Thanksgiving,” is believed to have taken place in 1621 and lasted for three days. However, it wasn’t until much later that Thanksgiving became an official holiday.

The idea of a national day of thanksgiving gained momentum in the 18th century, with various proclamations and observances by individual colonies and states. It wasn't until the 19th century that Thanksgiving began to take on a more national character.

Thanksgiving Becomes an Official Holiday

In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation establishing the last Thursday in November as a national day of thanksgiving. This proclamation was largely influenced by the efforts of Sarah Josepha Hale, a magazine editor and writer who had been advocating for a national Thanksgiving holiday for over 17 years. Hale’s persistent letters and editorials, along with the nation’s desire for unity during the Civil War, led to Lincoln’s proclamation, solidifying Thanksgiving as an official holiday in the United States.

The date of Thanksgiving was changed in 1939 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Originally, Thanksgiving was celebrated on the last Thursday of November, but Roosevelt moved it up a week to boost the Christmas shopping season and stimulate the economy. This change was met with some resistance, and in 1941, Congress passed a law making Thanksgiving the fourth Thursday of November, ensuring a consistent date for the holiday.

Thanksgiving Traditions and Celebrations

Thanksgiving is a time for families and friends to gather and express gratitude for the blessings in their lives. The holiday is typically marked by a large feast, often featuring a roasted turkey as the centerpiece. Other traditional dishes include stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and various pies, with pumpkin pie being a popular favorite.

In addition to the feast, many families engage in various traditions and activities. Some participate in parades, such as the iconic Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, which has been a beloved tradition since 1924. Others take part in community service projects, volunteering their time to help those in need. Football is also a popular activity on Thanksgiving, with many families gathering to watch NFL games or local high school or college matches.

Thanksgiving and Gratitude

At the heart of Thanksgiving is the spirit of gratitude. Many people take time to reflect on the past year and express thankfulness for their loved ones, health, and other blessings. Some families incorporate gratitude practices into their celebrations, such as going around the table and sharing what they are thankful for before the meal.

Thanksgiving also serves as a reminder to give back to the community. Food drives and charitable initiatives often see an increase in participation during this time, as people strive to make a positive impact and help those who are less fortunate.

The Economic Impact of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is not only a significant cultural event but also has a notable economic impact. The holiday marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season, with many retailers offering special deals and promotions on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. This tradition has evolved over the years, with stores opening earlier and earlier, and even offering online deals to attract shoppers.

The travel industry also experiences a surge during Thanksgiving, as many people take advantage of the long weekend to visit family and friends. According to estimates, millions of Americans travel for Thanksgiving each year, with a significant increase in air, rail, and road travel.

Thanksgiving and Retail Sales

The Thanksgiving weekend, particularly Black Friday and Cyber Monday, is a crucial period for retailers. In recent years, online shopping has gained popularity, with many consumers opting for the convenience of shopping from home. As a result, retailers have expanded their online presence and offered a wider range of deals to cater to this growing trend.

The table above showcases the growth in Black Friday sales from 2019 to 2021, highlighting the increasing importance of this shopping weekend for retailers.

Thanksgiving Around the World

While Thanksgiving is primarily an American and Canadian holiday, variations of similar harvest festivals can be found in other parts of the world. For example, in Germany, Erntedankfest is celebrated with parades and church services, and in China, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for family reunions and the sharing of mooncakes.

Thanksgiving’s Global Influence

Thanksgiving’s focus on gratitude and community has inspired similar celebrations in other countries. In Liberia, for instance, Thanksgiving is an official holiday, and in the Netherlands, a celebration known as “Dankdag” is observed as a day of prayer and thanksgiving.

The concept of giving thanks and expressing gratitude has a universal appeal, and many cultures have their own unique ways of celebrating and honoring the harvest and the blessings of the past year.