How many days until Thanksgiving?

The history of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is traditionally traced back to 1621, when the Plymouth colonists and members of the Wampanoag people shared a harvest feast that lasted three days. Days of thanksgiving were held irregularly in the colonies and early United States for the next two centuries.

In 1863, during the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of Thanksgiving to be held on the last Thursday of November. In 1941, Congress permanently set the holiday on the fourth Thursday of November, which is why its date changes from year to year.

Thanksgiving traditions

The centerpiece of the day is the Thanksgiving dinner, usually roast turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, and pumpkin pie. Many families also go around the table sharing what they are thankful for.

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City has been a morning tradition since 1924, and NFL football games fill the afternoon and evening. Each year, the President also "pardons" a turkey at the White House, sparing it from the dinner table.

Planning your countdown

Thanksgiving week is one of the busiest travel periods of the year, so book flights and plan road trips well in advance. If you are hosting, order a fresh turkey one to two weeks ahead, or start thawing a frozen one in the refrigerator several days early, about one day for every four to five pounds.