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Annual observance

Thanksgiving Day

November 27 Kindness / Community Updated 2025-12-18

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Overview

A national holiday primarily celebrated in the United States and Canada as a day of giving thanks for the harvest and other blessings of the past year. It typically involves a large family meal, often featuring turkey, and reflection on gratitude and community.

Observed each year on November 27, Thanksgiving Day invites people to pause, share the story, and bring a little themed joy to their day.

Why it matters: Thanksgiving Day, observed on November 27, serves as a poignant reminder of gratitude and community, encouraging individuals to reflect on their blessings and foster connections with others. This holiday highlights the importance of unity and appreciation, rooted in the historical sharing of resources and goodwill.

Origin and story

The first Thanksgiving feast shared by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people in 1621 lasted three days.

While turkey is iconic, historical accounts suggest that venison and seafood, such as fish and lobster, were also prominent at early colonial harvest feasts.

Quick facts

  • DateNovember 27
  • TypeKindness / Community
  • Great forCommunity groups, Friends, Coworkers

Also on this date

Ways to celebrate

  • Thanksgiving Day lands on November 27 — host a quick nod with Community groups, Friends and snap a photo.
  • Do one small favor quietly for a friend or coworker.
  • Share a feel-good story tied to the observance.
  • Plan a 10-minute activity that fits the kindness / community vibe and make it a mini tradition.
  • Share one fast fact about Thanksgiving Day: The first Thanksgiving feast shared by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people in 1621 lasted three days.

Fun facts

  • The first Thanksgiving feast shared by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people in 1621 lasted three days.
  • While turkey is iconic, historical accounts suggest that venison and seafood, such as fish and lobster, were also prominent at early colonial harvest feasts.
  • Sarah Josepha Hale, the author of 'Mary Had a Little Lamb,' campaigned for 36 years to make Thanksgiving a national holiday.
  • The annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City began in 1924, originally featuring animals from the Central Park Zoo.
  • In the US, two turkeys are 'pardoned' by the President each year, a tradition that became official in 1989.
  • Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving on the second Monday of October, a tradition that dates back to 1879, earlier than the US national holiday.

Sources and attribution

Source not provided.

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FAQ

When is Thanksgiving Day?
It is observed on November 27 each year.
What is Thanksgiving Day?
A national holiday primarily celebrated in the United States and Canada as a day of giving thanks for the harvest and other blessings of the past year. It typically involves a large family meal, often featuring turkey, and reflection on gratitude and community.
How do people celebrate Thanksgiving Day?
Thanksgiving Day lands on November 27 — host a quick nod with Community groups, Friends and snap a photo.

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