Celebrating your First Thanksgiving in America?

Here’s all you need to know about Thanksgiving; the family-themed holiday.

Thanksgiving is one of the most celebrated holidays in the United States. In many American homes, Thanksgiving is viewed as a “holy grail” tradition because of how well it combines family, food, and fun in a single day. 

Fun fact: The holiday is also celebrated, on various days, in Canada, Grenada, and Germany.

A brief history lesson coming up…

In the 17th century, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Native Americans participated in an autumn harvest feast. This feast is recognized as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies. The harvest feast celebrations carried on for two more centuries until President Abraham Lincoln declared that November would be the official month to celebrate Thanksgiving as a national holiday.

When is Thanksgiving Day?

Thanksgiving celebrations take place on the fourth Thursday of November. With the impact of covid-19 still being felt worldwide, Thanksgiving 2020 will likely be more reflective than festive. Given strict social gathering and distancing rules in some US states, many Americans may have to replace old traditions with safer family-friendly activities and ideas. 

What Thanksgiving traditions should I know about?

For most immigrants and emigrants, their first Thanksgiving is a significant culture shock. Why is the turkey so large, am I right? Americans are eager to invite foreigners to experience their beloved holiday. Still, the energetic atmosphere and ambience linked to the day can be daunting for first-timers. 

So, what can you expect from your first thanksgiving celebration? Food, food, and even more food. You can expect to see tables laden with pumpkin pies, cranberry sauce, turkey, wine bottles, peach cobblers, and other mouth-watering delicacies. We recommend you show up at your host’s house with an empty stomach and a large appetite.

Gratitude notes: Don’t be surprised when your host prompts you to share what you are thankful for this year. During thanksgiving meals, people take turns to reflect upon and express gratitude for their family, friends, and loved ones. Thanksgiving presents the perfect opportunity to focus on what really matters– love, friendship, and community. 

Volunteer work: Some families choose to spend Thanksgiving volunteering their time and resources at soup kitchens and homeless shelters. Your host may ask you to come along with canned goods and non-perishable items for donation purposes. 

Classic holiday movies: If you are a movie buff, you will be in for a treat on Thanksgiving day. After the turkey has been devoured and the table cleared, your host may suggest that guests gather in front of the TV to watch a classic holiday movie. 

Board games: What’s a party without a good game of Monopoly or Concentration? After Thanksgiving lunch or dinner, family members and friends replace napkins with card games. Some popular party games Americans enjoy playing include Charades, Pictionary, and Cards against Humanity.

Toast it up: Finally, what is a party without a good toast? We recommend preparing a short but authentic toast to share with your host and their guests. Your toast can be reflective, humorous, thoughtful, or insightful.

That’s all from us, for now. Whether you are celebrating the holiday with some new friends from work, a community of immigrants, or your neighbors, get ready to have fun and eat great food!

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