Thanksgiving is a special holiday in America where families come together to enjoy yummy food and share what they are thankful for. While we often think of turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie, Thanksgiving has a rich history that makes it even more meaningful.
The story of Thanksgiving begins in 1620 with a group of people called the Pilgrims. They left England on a ship called the Mayflower because they wanted to practice their religion freely. They arrived in a place we now call Plymouth, Massachusetts. The first winter was really tough, and many Pilgrims got sick or didn’t have enough food. Only half of them survived to see the spring.
A Native American named Squanto played a big role in helping the Pilgrims survive. He spoke English and taught them important skills like how to grow corn, get sap from trees, and catch fish. Thanks to Squanto, the Pilgrims learned how to live in their new home.
In November 1621, after the Pilgrims had a good harvest, they decided to have a big feast to celebrate. This is often thought of as the first Thanksgiving. They invited their Native American friends to join them, and the celebration lasted for three days! They probably ate seafood and venison, which is deer meat, instead of the turkey and cranberry sauce we eat today.
Thanksgiving didn’t become an official holiday right away. In 1827, a writer named Sarah Josepha Hale started asking for it to be a national holiday. She wrote many letters to important people, and finally, in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln made Thanksgiving a national holiday. He chose the last Thursday in November for the celebration. Later, in 1941, Congress decided it should be on the fourth Thursday in November, which is when we celebrate it now.
Today, people across the United States celebrate Thanksgiving in different ways. Families gather for big meals, watch football games, and think about what they are thankful for. While turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie are popular, some families add their own special dishes to the meal.
Thanksgiving is more than just eating a lot of food; it’s a time to remember history, be grateful, and enjoy time with family and friends. Knowing where Thanksgiving comes from helps us understand why it is such an important holiday. Whether through food, traditions, or spending time with loved ones, Thanksgiving is a cherished part of American culture.
Thanksgiving Story Time: Gather some friends or family members and take turns telling the story of the first Thanksgiving. Use props like toy ships for the Mayflower, toy food items, or drawings to make the story come alive. Think about how the Pilgrims might have felt during their journey and first winter. How did Squanto help them? Discuss why it was important for the Pilgrims and Native Americans to work together.
Thankful Tree Craft: Create a “Thankful Tree” using a small branch or a drawing of a tree on paper. Cut out leaf shapes from colored paper. On each leaf, write something you are thankful for. Attach the leaves to the tree. Share your Thankful Tree with your family and explain why each item is important to you. How does being thankful make you feel?
Food Exploration: With the help of an adult, explore some of the foods that might have been eaten at the first Thanksgiving. Try tasting or cooking a simple dish using corn, fish, or squash. Compare these foods to what you usually eat on Thanksgiving. What do you like about these new foods? How do you think the Pilgrims and Native Americans felt sharing their meals together?
