As Thanksgiving 2023 approaches, we’re here to help you prepare with a comprehensive Thanksgiving style guide that covers everything from the history and traditions of Thanksgiving to fashion tips, décor ideas, and gift inspiration. So, let’s dive into the world of Thanksgiving and make this year’s celebration truly special.
Thanksgiving 2023: When and What It Means
Thanksgiving Day falls on the fourth Thursday of November each year. It’s a holiday dedicated to expressing thanks for the harvest and blessings of the past year. Families and friends gather for a festive meal and quality time together, creating a sense of togetherness and gratitude.
A Brief History of Thanksgiving
Understanding the roots of Thanksgiving adds depth to the holiday’s significance. The tradition of Thanksgiving dates back to the early 17th century when the Pilgrims and Native Americans shared a meal in Plymouth, Massachusetts. This event is widely considered one of the most premature Thanksgiving celebrations in the United States. Delve into the history and appreciate the profound origins of this holiday.
Thanksgiving Traditions
Thanksgiving is steeped in rich traditions and cultural significance. Discover the background of the holiday, from the annual presidential turkey pardon to the world-famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Understanding the traditions and their significance will help you appreciate the cultural depth of this beloved holiday.
Thanksgiving Trivia and Fun Activities
You can use these trivia questions to engage your guests and add a fun and educational element to your Thanksgiving gathering. You can also turn it into a friendly competition with prizes for the winners:
Thanksgiving Trivia
- What year is commonly believed to be the first Thanksgiving in the United States, and where did it take place? (Answer: 1621 in Plymouth, Massachusetts)
- Benjamin Franklin preferred a different bird as the national symbol of the United States. Which bird was it? (Answer: The turkey)
- Which U.S. president is credited with starting the tradition of pardoning a turkey before Thanksgiving? (Answer: Abraham Lincoln)
- Many cities host “Turkey Trot” races on Thanksgiving morning. What is the typical distance of these races? (Answer: 5K, or 3.1 miles)
- In what year did the first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade take place, and what was its original purpose? (Answer: 1924, to celebrate the expansion of Macy’s flagship store in New York City)
- What three foods did Native Americans introduce to the Pilgrims that became staples in the Thanksgiving meal? (Answer: Corn, beans, and squash, known as the “Three Sisters.”)
- Which U.S. president officially declared Thanksgiving a national holiday and set the date for its celebration as the last Thursday in November? (Answer: Abraham Lincoln in 1863)
- In addition to the annual turkey pardon by the President, what other Thanksgiving dish is sometimes pardoned? (Answer: Cranberry sauce or a dessert like pumpkin pie)
- What is the proper name for the act of carving a turkey at the Thanksgiving dinner table? (Answer: Grand Carving)
- In “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving,” what dish does Snoopy prepare for the Peanuts gang when they celebrate Thanksgiving? (Answer: Popcorn and jellybeans)
- Approximately how many pounds of turkey does the average American consume on Thanksgiving Day? (Answer: Around 3-4 pounds)
- In addition to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, which city is famous for hosting the second-largest Thanksgiving Day parade in the U.S.? (Answer: Detroit, Michigan)
- What do cranberries naturally grow on? (Answer: Cranberry vines)
- What is the most popular pie flavor during Thanksgiving in the United States? (Answer: Pumpkin pie)
- Which U.S. president was the first to issue a Thanksgiving proclamation? (Answer: George Washington)
- In a traditional Thanksgiving meal, why might a second, smaller turkey be cooked? (Answer: As a backup in case the main turkey isn’t enough to feed the guests.)
Fun Thanksgiving Activities
Whether you’re with family or friends, these ideas can help create lasting memories and reinforce the spirit of gratitude that the holiday represents:
Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of Thanksgiving-themed items or clues, and organize a scavenger hunt for family and friends.
DIY Crafts: Set up a crafting station with supplies for making Thanksgiving-themed crafts. You can create decorations, handprint turkeys, or even design your custom place cards for the dinner table.
Touch Football: Organize a friendly game of touch football in your backyard or a nearby park. It’s a great way to burn off some calories before the big meal.
Storytelling Time: Encourage family members to share stories from past Thanksgiving or express what they’re grateful for. It’s a meaningful and heartwarming activity that can strengthen family bonds.
Recipe Swap: Ask each guest to bring a copy of their favorite Thanksgiving recipe. Share the recipes, and you might discover new dishes to try next year.
Thanksgiving Charades: Put a Thanksgiving twist on the classic game of charades. Use words or phrases related to the holiday and have everyone take turns acting them out for others to guess.
Pie-Baking Contest: If you have multiple bakers in the family, organize a pie-baking contest. Each participant can bake their favorite pie, and everyone can taste and vote for the winner.
Gratitude Games: Play games that emphasize gratitude, such as “Two Truths and a Thanksgiving Lie” where participants take turns sharing two true things they’re thankful for and one false statement. Others have to guess the lie.
Gratitude Jar: Place a gratitude jar on the table and provide strips of paper for guests to write down what they’re thankful for. Read the notes aloud during dinner or save them to look back on in the future.
Movie Marathon: After the meal, cozy up on the couch for a Thanksgiving-themed movie marathon featuring some of the films from the list mentioned earlier.
Best Thanksgiving Movies to Watch
After the meal, it’s time to unwind and enjoy quality time with your loved ones. Whether you prefer classic comedies or films with deeper family themes, these movies offer a mix of laughter, heartwarming moments, and unique perspectives on the Thanksgiving holiday.
- Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987) – A classic Thanksgiving comedy starring John Candy and Steve Martin as two unlikely travel companions trying to make it home for the holiday.
- A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973) – Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the gang as they navigate the ups and downs of Thanksgiving, all with the beloved Peanuts charm.
- Home for the Holidays (1995) – Directed by Jodie Foster, this film offers a heartfelt and humorous look at a dysfunctional family’s Thanksgiving gathering.
- Hannah and Her Sisters (1986) – Directed by Woody Allen, this film explores the lives and relationships of three sisters during a year of family gatherings, with Thanksgiving as a central theme.
- The Blind Side (2009) – While not exclusively a Thanksgiving movie, this heartwarming story of family and gratitude is a great choice for the holiday season.
- Dutch (1991) – A comedy that follows a working-class man’s journey to bring his girlfriend’s snobbish son home for Thanksgiving, leading to amusing and touching moments.
- The Ice Storm (1997) – A drama set in the 1970s that explores the complexities of suburban family life during Thanksgiving weekend.
- Scent of a Woman (1992) – While not centered on Thanksgiving, the film includes a memorable Thanksgiving dinner scene and is known for Al Pacino’s brilliant performance.
- Free Birds (2013) – An animated comedy that tells the story of two turkeys who travel back in time to prevent their kind from becoming the main course at the first Thanksgiving.
- Addams Family Values (1993) – A dark comedy that humorously explores the Addams Family’s peculiar celebration of Thanksgiving, featuring their eccentric take on tradition.
Thanksgiving Holiday Gifts: Show Your Gratitude
Express your gratitude and appreciation by gifting your loved ones with thoughtful Thanksgiving presents. So, let’s explore more ideas for Thanksgiving holiday gifts that can help you show your gratitude and appreciation to your loved ones:
Customized Apparel: Create personalized Thanksgiving-themed clothing, such as custom-designed Thanksgiving t-shirts and hoodies. You can include festive and heartfelt messages, family names, or even inside jokes to make the gifts extra special.
Thanksgiving Decor: Help your friends and family decorate their homes for the holiday by gifting them Thanksgiving-themed decorations. Consider items like autumn-inspired wreaths, table centerpieces, decorative candles, or pillows for a cozy atmosphere.
Cooking and Baking Supplies: For the culinary enthusiasts in your life, consider gifting high-quality cooking or baking supplies. A beautiful set of oven mitts, a stylish apron, or a professional-grade kitchen gadget could be excellent choices.
Thanksgiving-Themed Kitchenware: Add a touch of Thanksgiving spirit to their kitchen with themed kitchenware. Look for items like pumpkin-shaped serving dishes, turkey-shaped platters, custom mugs, or colorful pie dishes that will make their holiday meals even more special.
Handmade Thanksgiving Crafts: If you have a creative streak, consider making your Thanksgiving-themed crafts. Handcrafted decorations, candles, or even personalized Thanksgiving cards can add a personal touch to your gift.
Festive Candles: Scented candles with aromas like pumpkin spice, apple pie, or cinnamon can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere for Thanksgiving gatherings. Look for elegant candle holders to pair with them.
Spa and Relaxation Gifts: Thanksgiving can be a hectic time for many, so a spa or relaxation gift can provide some much-needed tranquility. Consider gifting a spa gift certificate, scented bath oils, or cozy blankets for a relaxing evening.
Cookbook: For those who love cooking or trying out new recipes, a Thanksgiving-themed cookbook can be an excellent gift. Look for one that features creative Thanksgiving recipes, including appetizers, main courses, and desserts.
Gourmet Food and Wine: Gift baskets filled with gourmet treats, fine wines, or artisanal chocolates are always appreciated. Opt for a Thanksgiving-themed basket with items like seasonal jams, specialty cheeses, and a bottle of wine to enhance their Thanksgiving feast.
Wine Accessories: If your recipient is a wine enthusiast, consider gifting them wine-related accessories, such as a wine opener set, wine glasses, or a wine aerator.
Cutting Board: Engraved cutting boards with a Thanksgiving message or family name can be functional and decorative, making them an excellent gift for anyone who enjoys cooking or hosting gatherings.
Gratitude Stones or Tokens: These small, engraved stones or tokens are a lovely way to encourage reflection and gratitude. They can be kept in a pocket or on a desk as a reminder to be thankful.
Family Photo Album or Frame: Compile cherished family photos into an album or choose a stylish picture frame for a memorable gift. Thanksgiving is a time for family, and these items can help capture and preserve those moments.
When selecting a Thanksgiving gift, please remember the recipient’s interests, and aim to choose something that resonates with the spirit of the holiday – celebrating the people in your life.
