Thanksgiving Day 2018 A Day of Celebration in USA & Canada

Thanksgiving Day 2018 is a day of celebration and saying thanks. This day is especially celebrated for giving thanks for the harvest and also for the blessings which were showered on the past years. This day is also enjoyed as a blessing with friends and family.

When Is Thanksgiving Day 2018?

Thanksgiving Day has different dates in a different part of the world. In the USA it is celebrated on fourth Thursday of November every year. While in Canada this day is celebrated on the second Monday of October every year since 1957. This event is also celebrated in Germany, Canada, Liberia, Japan, Norfolk Island, and many other countries. So the Thanksgiving Day 2018 in the USA will be observed on 22nd November. While in Canada it will be celebrated on the 8th of October.

Thanksgiving Day Background:

Thanksgiving Day is celebrated as a holiday in the different part of the world. In the USA it became an official holiday in 1863. This day is not a day of happiness and enjoys for some people. As in 1970, a group of Native Americans launched a protest for a National Day of Mourning at Plymouth Rock in Plymouth, Massachusetts on Thanksgiving Day. As most of the people celebrate American Indian Heritage Day at the same time of the year.

There are a lot of claims about the First Thanksgiving Day, but history shows that it was held in 1598 in Texas. Another same type of event was observed in 1619 at Virginia Colony. Modern Thanksgiving Day Origin was started in 1621 as Pilgrims held in Plymouth, Massachusetts for the harvest celebration. A feast was held between the Plymouth colonists and the Wampanoag Indians.

So the first true Thanksgiving Day was started in 1623 to thanks to the rain that ended droughts.In earlier period it was just a type of church service rather than a feast. In the second half of 16th century, it became more common the harvest event and celebrated as annual events. It was celebrated in different ways in different parts of the countries. But George Washington was the first president who proclaimed this event for the first time as national Thanksgiving Day in 1789.

How to Celebrate Thanksgiving Day 2018?

Thanksgiving Day celebrations are full of enjoyment and festivity. A wonderful occasion to exchange gifts and happiness with family and friends. If you want to travel outside the town then you should go to the special parade in New York City for live performance. You can make this special by watching Macy’s parade. This parade will blow your mind.

Usually, this parade is considered as an official opening of Christmas Shopping. In this parade, there are marching bands which show their special formations. A huge number of performers elaborate floats conveying which has lots of famous celebrities. Also, giant balloons with cartoon characters shape are displayed in this parade.If you love to eat food then you can enjoy this day with special food. You can eat traditional Thanksgiving Day food which includes turkey, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, and mashed potatoes. Nowadays about 90% of American eat bird whether roasted, baked or deep fried.

Watch or attend a football game. It’s not compulsory you watch only NFL you can watch which sport you like or want to play as this day is for celebration.Most of the people on this day go on running or any other form of exercise in the morning. What special is that? Actually, they want to enjoy the Thanksgiving meal. So they don’t want to feel guilty on this day.I think this is a perfect occasion to say thanks to your family, friends, and relatives by phone, email or internet and remind them how you are thankful for being a part of your life.In Canada this is a best and suitable time to get autumn vacations. This time is best to celebrate as winter will set in soon. As Canadian enjoys a lot as compared to Americans.

Thanksgiving Day Traditions:

Thanksgiving Day Traditions vary from country to country or region to region within the country. In the beginning, it was celebrated as a day of prayer to say thanks to God blessings. Most of the regions in America has lost its religious significance. Now it is just only the sharing of food with family and friends.

Turkey is the most common food served during the Thanksgiving Dinner. For this reason, Thanksgiving Day is also called the Turkey Day. According to the report of National Turkey Foundation, 90% of American eat turkey. They eat the bird in different ways such as roasted, baked and deep fried. Other famous traditional foods include stuffing, mashed or sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.

Working as a volunteer is most common on Thanksgiving Day. A lot of communities hold food drives and free dinner serving to the needy ones so that they can enjoy this happiness.

The most fascinating part of this day is Parade which is arranged in different cities and towns. In America, the most common and largest parade is “Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade” which is arranged by Macy’s store department. Its preparation takes a lot of time as it has 2.5 miles long with Millions of audience. This parade consists of marching bands, performers that elaborate giant floats convey with celebrities and balloons with cartoon character shaped.

Thanksgiving traditions in Canada:

Thanksgiving traditions in Canada is much similar to the Americans ones. As on this day, most of the Americans spent their day watching football games and NFL. Playing a scavenger hunt and picture puzzle is also a popular tradition on this day. Similarly, in Canada, the Canadian Football League holds an annual Thanksgiving Day Classic event for families. Eating turkey is also common in both countries.

Give thanks for a little and you will find a lot.“Stephen Colbert” has said:“Thanksgiving is almost here. It’s my favorite holiday, which is surprising since I’m no fan of giving or saying thanks.”