1. Thanksgiving Dinner: The most iconic Thanksgiving event is the Thanksgiving dinner, where families and friends gather to enjoy a feast. The centerpiece of the meal is often a roasted turkey, accompanied by a variety of side dishes like stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.
2. Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade: In the United States, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a famous event held in New York City. It features giant helium balloons, floats, marching bands, and performances. The parade concludes with the arrival of Santa Claus, marking the official start of the Christmas season.
3. Football Games: American football has become synonymous with Thanksgiving in the United States. The National Football League (NFL) typically hosts several games on Thanksgiving Day, providing sports fans with entertainment throughout the day.
4. Volunteering and Charity Events: Many people use Thanksgiving as an opportunity to give back to their communities. Volunteering at food banks, shelters, or participating in charity runs are common ways to help those in need during the holiday season.
5. Turkey Trot Races: Turkey Trot races are popular Thanksgiving morning events in various cities. Participants often dress up in turkey-themed costumes and run in races of different lengths to burn off calories before the big meal.
6. Thanksgiving Parades: While the Macy's parade is the most famous, many cities across the United States hold their own Thanksgiving parades with local flair and traditions.
7. Friendsgiving: In addition to celebrating with family, some people host "Friendsgiving" gatherings, where friends come together for a Thanksgiving meal, especially if they are unable to be with their families.
8. Black Friday Shopping: While not an official Thanksgiving event, Black Friday, which falls on the day after Thanksgiving, is known for its massive sales and shopping events. Many people start their holiday shopping on this day.
9. National Day of Mourning: In Plymouth, Massachusetts, Native Americans and their supporters observe the National Day of Mourning on Thanksgiving to remember the suffering of Indigenous peoples following the arrival of European settlers.
10. Thanksgiving Decorations: Decorating homes with autumn and Thanksgiving-themed decorations, such as wreaths, cornucopias, and centerpieces, is a common tradition.
11. Thanksgiving Crafts: Many families and schools engage in Thanksgiving-themed arts and crafts, such as making handprint turkeys, decorating pumpkins, and creating Thanksgiving cards.
These events and traditions may vary from region to region and from one family to another, but the common theme is expressing gratitude and spending time with loved ones. Thanksgiving is a time for reflection and giving thanks for the blessings of the past year.
