Thoughts on An American Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving in the United States started on November 26th, 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln declared a national day of "Thanks" during the Civil War.
This was declared as a Thanksgiving to God for safely guiding to the New World.
This celebration lasted three days.
Since that time Thanksgiving has been celebrated on the fourth Thursday of each November and in 2011 will fall on November 24th.
Thanksgiving in the United States is also known as one of the six major holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day, Independence Day, Memorial Day and Labor Day.
These six major holidays are observed by state and federal governments.
It is also known as one of the two major holidays in the "holiday season", the other being Christmas.
Between Thanksgiving and Christmas most Americans find themselves more busy than usual with shopping, cooking, decorating and attending holiday parties in addition to working.
The first American Thanksgiving served food such as fish, shellfish, wild fowl, venison, berries and grains.
These foods were what the settlers could find and were considered a treat.
Today, the American Thanksgiving is more commonly known for the following staples: roasted turkey, various kinds of stuffing and cranberry dressing.
It is also known to typically serve mashed potatoes with gravy, corn of some sort, green beans and green bean casserole and of course, pumpkin pie with whipped cream! When I think of a traditional American Thanksgiving I always think of the hit ABC comedy series from the 1980's - 1990's entitled Roseanne.
The show was about a lower-class, blue-collar family residing in the fictional town of Landford, Illinois which was supposed to be located somewhere on the outskirts of Chicago.
The show was quite funny and sometimes, showcased many touchy subjects.
The series would also have holiday episodes each year, including many that centered on Thanksgiving.
In the Thanksgiving episodes the Conner family would show the true meaning of the day and that family is important, regardless of how well everyone gets along sometimes.
Although, the foods may have changed a bit, the meaning of the holiday has not.
It is still considered a day of thanks and many use this day as a day to reflect on all the things they are thankful for.
Americans are quite resilient and have adapted their own traditions.
For some it may be watching football on the television.
For other it may be baking cookies with loved ones and telling stories.
I know for myself it is spending time with my family and friends and giving thanks!
This was declared as a Thanksgiving to God for safely guiding to the New World.
This celebration lasted three days.
Since that time Thanksgiving has been celebrated on the fourth Thursday of each November and in 2011 will fall on November 24th.
Thanksgiving in the United States is also known as one of the six major holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day, Independence Day, Memorial Day and Labor Day.
These six major holidays are observed by state and federal governments.
It is also known as one of the two major holidays in the "holiday season", the other being Christmas.
Between Thanksgiving and Christmas most Americans find themselves more busy than usual with shopping, cooking, decorating and attending holiday parties in addition to working.
The first American Thanksgiving served food such as fish, shellfish, wild fowl, venison, berries and grains.
These foods were what the settlers could find and were considered a treat.
Today, the American Thanksgiving is more commonly known for the following staples: roasted turkey, various kinds of stuffing and cranberry dressing.
It is also known to typically serve mashed potatoes with gravy, corn of some sort, green beans and green bean casserole and of course, pumpkin pie with whipped cream! When I think of a traditional American Thanksgiving I always think of the hit ABC comedy series from the 1980's - 1990's entitled Roseanne.
The show was about a lower-class, blue-collar family residing in the fictional town of Landford, Illinois which was supposed to be located somewhere on the outskirts of Chicago.
The show was quite funny and sometimes, showcased many touchy subjects.
The series would also have holiday episodes each year, including many that centered on Thanksgiving.
In the Thanksgiving episodes the Conner family would show the true meaning of the day and that family is important, regardless of how well everyone gets along sometimes.
Although, the foods may have changed a bit, the meaning of the holiday has not.
It is still considered a day of thanks and many use this day as a day to reflect on all the things they are thankful for.
Americans are quite resilient and have adapted their own traditions.
For some it may be watching football on the television.
For other it may be baking cookies with loved ones and telling stories.
I know for myself it is spending time with my family and friends and giving thanks!
