Thanksgiving Facts – Part 2

A Traditional Thanksgiving
A Traditional Thanksgiving

Giving thanks is just the beginning.

It is believed that the first Thanksgiving feast, although it was not called so back then, was held in 1621 by the Plymouth pilgrims. Today, Thanksgiving is celebrated in the same spirit of expressing gratitude, but in very different ways. Did you know–

* In Canada, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday in October?
* Thanksgiving is celebrated not only in US, but in other countries as well? They include Canada, Japan, Korea, Brazil, Liberia, Argentina and Switzerland.
* Every year, a lucky turkey is given the privilege of being ‘pardoned’ by the president? The National Thanksgiving Turkey as it is known, is brought to the White House, where the president officially pardons the turkey, thereby sparing its life! That privileged turkey is then sent to a Virginia Park, named Frying Pan Park!! In addition to the pardoned turkey, a back-up turkey too is selected for this purpose and that turkey is also spared.
* Millions of Americans fly out or drive hundreds of miles to be with their families for Thanksgiving? It is one of the busiest holidays and flight tickets for the Thanksgiving weekend get sold out weeks, even months ahead. If you haven’t been an early bird, you are more likely to pay an exorbitant amount for your tickets.
* The day after Thanksgiving is considered the busiest shopping day of the year. Not only does it mark the beginning of Christmas shopping, but it’s also the day when most stores have irresistible deals on many products ranging from electronics to clothing. People throng in thousands in front of stores from 5 a.m. to be the first to grab the best deals.
Today, Thanksgiving is primarily about families coming together, sharing a meal and expressing their gratitude for everything from the food on the table to the jobs they have.
Many families start the day with a prayer service at their church. Prayers are said at the table before beginning the big Thanksgiving dinner. Some other modern America traditions that have come to be associated with this holiday are Thanksgiving Parades and Thanksgiving football.
Holidays like Thanksgiving serve as reminders of tradition that give members of a family to come together at least once a year. Thanksgiving also gives you the chance to start your own family traditions that are relevant and appropriate for your kids.

What Thanksgiving traditions do you follow and which is your favorite? Will you start your own traditions this year? Why not send out free thanksgiving ecards to your friends and family?