Thanksgiving

Summary

When? The 4th Thursday of November
Where? United States 
How? Family gatherings at dinner.

History

Thanksgiving is a holiday that is mainly celebrated in the United States and in Canada. On this day people give thanks to each other and to God for the blessings of the past year. 

On the fourth Thursday of November families get together to have dinner. Traditionally they eat turkey with bread stuffing and different side dishes such as mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce and green beans. After dinner the turkey's wishbone is broken by two people. Whoever gets the larger part of the wishing bone wins and can make a wish. Pumpkin pie and pecan pie are popular desserts on that day.

Each year the President of the USA is given a few turkeys as a gift. They do not eat the turkey, but they give the them a presidential pardon. Donald Trump, for example, pardoned turkeys Peas and Carrots, after pardoning Drumstick and Wishbone the year before. The turkeys then go on to live at a children's farm to grow old.

Other activities on this day include watching football and going to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York. Many people come to see the giant balloons and floats. Santa Clause is also a part of the parade. When he arrives at the end of the parade, the Christmas season officially starts.