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Let's Chat About...Thanksgiving

History of Thanksgiving

• November 1621 marks when the 1st Thanksgiving was celebrated. It all began in 1620 when the Mayflower sailed over from England and landed at Cape Cod, Massachusetts. This ship carried 102 Plymouth Colonists seeking the "New World" of America. One month after landing, they sailed across Massachusetts Bay and settled in what is now known as Plymouth.

• After enduring a harsh Winter, only half of the settlers survived. The next Spring, Native American Squanto (Pawtuxet Tribe) greeted them. He taught them how to fish, hunt and grow vegetables. They formed an alliance with the Wampanoag Tribe and in November of 1621, Govenor William Bradford oragnized a Thanksgiving Celebration that lasted 3 days.

• In 1789 George Washington issued the 1st Thanksgiving Proclaimation. He called upon Americans to express gratitude for the end of the American Revolution War of Independance.

• In 1817 the State of New York was the first to officially adopt Thanksgiving as a State Holiday.

• In 1827 Sarah Josepha Hale, a successful magazine editor and author of "Mary Had a Little Lamb", launched a campaign that lasted 36 years trying to get Thanksgiving established as a Natiohnal Holiday. She was nicknamed "Mother of Thanksgiving"

• Finally in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln heeded her request and declaired Thanksgiving as a National Holiday. This was during the Civil War and he asked Americans to “commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife” and to “heal the wounds of the nation.”

• Thanksgiving was scheduled for the last Thursday in November until 1939 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved it up a week to increase retail sales during the Great Depression.

• In 1941 it was moved back to the 4th Thursday in November which is where it remains still today.

• The Macy's Thanksgiving Parade began in 1924. The route is 2.5 miles long and 2-3 millions spectators show up to watch.

• During the Mid 20th Century, a tradition began of "Pardoning" 1 or 2 turkeys each year, sparing them from being slaughtered. They are sent to a nearby farm for retirement. This tradition continues today.

Fun Fact: The 2023 Turkeys Pardoned are from Minnesota! "And for the 76th year, the President of the United States will engage in a White House Thanksgiving tradition: He will pardon two turkeys, saving them from the table. In 2023, the two lucky birds are from Jennie-O Turkey Store, a Hormel subsidiary out of Willmar, Minnesota (via Hormel Foods)." Their names are 'Liberty' and 'Bell'

For me, Thanksgiving is about taking the time to appreciate the Blessings in my life. I am thankful for our Family, our Health and our Happiness. We are fortunate to have healthy, happy children, grandchildren and extended family. I am also grateful for my Happiness. Happiness in the form of contentment, feeling peace in my relationships and other life experiences. We look forward to celebrating all we are thankful for by sharing a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Our menu includes the usual:

• Turkey

• Mashed Potatoes with Gravy

• Stuffing

• Corn

• Cranberries

• Lefse

• Pumpkin Pie

• And all the extras like veggie & relish tray, dinner rolls, ect...

Thankgiving Recepies

So, we would love to hear what Thanksgiving means to you! Please share your thoughts, recipes or traditions in the comments below.

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