Thanksgiving is a cherished holiday, marked by tradition, gratitude, and festive feasts. But there’s much more to this autumn celebration than meets the eye. Here are 75 fun and intriguing facts about Thanksgiving to enlighten and entertain you.
1. 🦃 Historical Origins of Thanksgiving
- The first Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1621 by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag.
- It lasted for three days and included games and military exercises.
- The feast celebrated the Pilgrims’ first successful harvest in the New World.
- 90 Wampanoag and 53 Pilgrims attended the first Thanksgiving.
- Foods included venison, fowl, fish, and harvested crops.
- The Pilgrims didn’t use forks; they ate with spoons, knives, and their hands.
- Sarah Josepha Hale, the author of “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” campaigned for Thanksgiving to become a national holiday.
- President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863.
- Thanksgiving was intended to unite a war-torn country during the Civil War.
- Franklin D. Roosevelt moved Thanksgiving up a week in 1939 to extend the holiday shopping season.
2. 🦃 Thanksgiving in Popular Culture
- Charlie Brown’s Thanksgiving special first aired in 1973.
- The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been held annually since 1924.
- The parade features giant balloons of popular characters.
- Over 50 million viewers watch the Macy’s parade on TV each year.
- Friends popularized Thanksgiving-themed episodes with their annual specials.
- Thanksgiving is a frequent plot point in many American TV shows.
- The film Planes, Trains and Automobiles is a Thanksgiving classic.
- A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving is another beloved holiday special.
- The National Dog Show, held on Thanksgiving Day, draws large TV audiences.
- Thanksgiving episodes often include humor, family dynamics, and heartfelt moments.
3. 🦃 Fun Facts About Thanksgiving Foods
- Turkey is the star of most Thanksgiving meals.
- An estimated 46 million turkeys are consumed on Thanksgiving.
- Cranberries were likely not at the first Thanksgiving.
- Pumpkin pie is a staple dessert at many Thanksgiving tables.
- Stuffing can be made with bread, rice, or cornbread.
- Sweet potatoes with marshmallows are a popular side dish.
- Green bean casserole was created by Campbell’s Soup in the 1950s.
- Gravy is made from the turkey’s drippings.
- Mashed potatoes are a common side dish.
- Apple cider and wine are popular Thanksgiving beverages.
4. 🦃 Thanksgiving Traditions
- Families often begin Thanksgiving with a morning turkey trot.
- Many people watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
- Football is a big part of Thanksgiving for many families.
- Breaking the wishbone is a common tradition.
- Some families set a kids’ table for the younger members.
- Volunteering at soup kitchens is a popular activity.
- Black Friday shopping often starts on Thanksgiving evening.
- Thanksgiving crafts like making turkeys from handprints are popular with kids.
- Many families take time to share what they’re thankful for.
- Board games and movies are common post-dinner activities.
5. 🦃 Interesting Turkey Trivia
- The wild turkey is native to North America.
- Ben Franklin wanted the turkey to be the national bird.
- Turkeys can run up to 20 miles per hour.
- Turkeys can fly short distances at speeds up to 55 miles per hour.
- Male turkeys are called toms; females are called hens.
- Baby turkeys are called poults.
- Only male turkeys gobble; females make a clucking noise.
- Turkeys have excellent vision and can see in color.
- Turkeys can have a wingspan of up to 4.5 feet.
- The heaviest turkey on record weighed 86 pounds.
6. 🦃 Presidential Turkey Pardon
- The tradition of pardoning a turkey dates back to 1947.
- The National Turkey Federation presents the President with a turkey annually.
- John F. Kennedy was the first to unofficially pardon a turkey.
- George H.W. Bush made the turkey pardon official in 1989.
- The pardoned turkeys often live out their days on a farm or petting zoo.
- Some turkeys have gone on to participate in parades.
- The pardoned turkey is usually accompanied by an alternate turkey.
- The turkeys often have whimsical names like Peas and Carrots.
- The turkey pardon ceremony is held in the White House Rose Garden.
- The event is a light-hearted moment in the midst of serious politics.
7. 🦃 Thanksgiving Around the World
- Canada celebrates Thanksgiving on the second Monday in October.
- Liberia celebrates Thanksgiving on the first Thursday in November.
- Grenada celebrates Thanksgiving Day on October 25.
- Germany has a similar harvest festival called Erntedankfest.
- Japan celebrates a Labor Thanksgiving Day on November 23.
- Netherlands commemorates the Pilgrims’ stay in Leiden before sailing to America.
- The UK doesn’t have a Thanksgiving, but Harvest Festival is similar.
- Australia celebrates similar harvest festivals, particularly in rural areas.
- China has the Mid-Autumn Festival, also a time for family reunions and feasting.
- South Korea celebrates Chuseok, a harvest festival with family gatherings.
8. 🦃 Thanksgiving in Numbers
- Americans eat over 50 million pumpkin pies on Thanksgiving.
- 20% of all cranberries consumed in the U.S. are eaten on Thanksgiving.
- The average American consumes 4,500 calories on Thanksgiving Day.
- 88% of Americans eat turkey on Thanksgiving.
- 50 million people travel for Thanksgiving.
- Over 32 million green bean casseroles are made each year.
- 46 million turkeys are cooked each Thanksgiving.
- $2.9 billion is spent on Thanksgiving dinner food.
- 30 million people watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade live.
- 1 in 10 Americans will burn their Thanksgiving dinner.
9. 🦃 Black Friday
- Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving.
- It marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season.
- The term Black Friday originated in Philadelphia.
- Retailers often open as early as midnight on Thanksgiving night.
- Doorbuster deals are a hallmark of Black Friday.
- Cyber Monday follows Black Friday, offering online deals.
- Small Business Saturday encourages shopping at local businesses.
- Black Friday is one of the busiest shopping days of the year.
- Retailers sometimes extend Black Friday deals through the weekend.
- Millions of people participate in Black Friday shopping.
10. 🦃 The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
- The first Macy’s parade was held in 1924.
- It featured animals from the Central Park Zoo.
- The parade balloons were introduced in 1927.
- Felix the Cat was the first character balloon.
- The parade has been televised since 1952.
- The parade features marching bands, floats, and performers.
- Over 8,000 participants are involved in the parade each year.
- Snoopy has appeared in the parade more times than any other character.
- The parade ends with the arrival of Santa Claus.
- The Macy’s Parade is viewed by 3.5 million people on the streets of New York City.
11. 🦃 Thanksgiving Recipes
- Roast turkey with stuffing is a classic recipe.
- Mashed potatoes with gravy are a must-have side.
- Cranberry sauce adds a tart contrast to the meal.
- Green bean casserole is a popular vegetable dish.
- Sweet potato casserole often includes marshmallows.
- Pumpkin pie is the quintessential Thanksgiving dessert.
- Apple pie is another favorite sweet treat.
- Cornbread can be served as a side or in stuffing.
- Butternut squash soup is a warm and comforting starter.
- Pecan pie offers a sweet and nutty end to the meal.
12. 🦃 Thanksgiving Myths Busted
- Myth: Pilgrims wore all black and white clothing.
- Fact: They wore a variety of colors.
- Myth: Thanksgiving has always been on the fourth Thursday of November.
- Fact: The date varied until 1941.
- Myth: Pilgrims and Native Americans ate turkey.
- Fact: They likely ate venison and seafood.
- Myth: Thanksgiving was always a national holiday.
- Fact: It became official in 1863.
- Myth: The Pilgrims called themselves Pilgrims.
- Fact: They called themselves Separatists.
13. 🦃 Thanksgiving and Gratitude
- Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on what we are thankful for.
- Expressing gratitude can improve mental health.
- Gratitude practices can strengthen relationships.
- Sharing thanks can enhance happiness.
- Keeping a gratitude journal can help maintain a positive outlook.
- Gratitude can reduce stress and improve sleep.
- Giving thanks can improve physical health.
- Grateful people often have stronger immune systems.
- Mindfulness practices can enhance feelings of gratitude.
- Expressing gratitude regularly can lead to increased well-being.
14. 🦃 Thanksgiving Symbols and Their Meanings
- The cornucopia symbolizes abundance and nourishment.
- Turkeys represent the traditional Thanksgiving feast.
- Cranberries symbolize the fall harvest.
- Pumpkins represent autumn and harvest time.
- Corn signifies the importance of crops to the Pilgrims and Native Americans.
- Pinecones are used in decorations to symbolize growth and regeneration.
- Acorns symbolize potential and strength.
- Apples represent the bounty of the harvest.
- Autumn leaves symbolize change and the passage of time.
- Pilgrim hats symbolize the Pilgrims’ role in the Thanksgiving story.
15. 🦃 Thanksgiving and Football
- The first Thanksgiving football game was played in 1876.
- The game was between Yale and Princeton.
- The NFL started its Thanksgiving games in 1920.
- The Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys traditionally host games.
- Football on Thanksgiving has become a national tradition.
- High school and college teams also play Thanksgiving games.
- The Turkey Bowl is a popular term for Thanksgiving football games.
- Family football games are a common backyard activity.
- Watching football is a way for families to bond.
- The games provide a festive way to spend the afternoon.
16. 🦃 Thanksgiving Crafts and Activities
- Handprint turkeys are a classic Thanksgiving craft for kids.
- Pinecone turkeys use pinecones and construction paper.
- Thankful trees let family members write what they’re thankful for.
- Pumpkin decorating can be a fun pre-dinner activity.
- Making Thanksgiving placemats can keep kids entertained.
- Paper plate turkeys use paint and feathers for a cute craft.
- Corn husk dolls are a traditional and historical craft.
- Gratitude jars encourage daily notes of thankfulness.
- Leaf rubbing art uses crayons and paper to capture fall leaves.
- Thanksgiving bingo is a fun game for all ages.
17. 🦃 Thanksgiving Music and Songs
- “Over the River and Through the Wood” is a classic Thanksgiving song.
- “Turkey in the Straw” is a popular folk tune.
- “Alice’s Restaurant” by Arlo Guthrie is a Thanksgiving tradition.
- “We Gather Together” is a hymn often sung on Thanksgiving.
- “Thanksgiving Song” by Mary Chapin Carpenter captures the holiday spirit.
- “The Thanksgiving Song” by Adam Sandler is a humorous take on the holiday.
- “Autumn Leaves” is a song that sets the seasonal mood.
- “Harvest Moon” by Neil Young is a beautiful fall-themed song.
- “Count Your Blessings” is a hymn of gratitude.
- “Thankful” by Kelly Clarkson expresses gratitude and thankfulness.
18. 🦃 Unique Thanksgiving Traditions
- Turkey bowling involves rolling a frozen turkey at pins.
- Some families have a Thanksgiving talent show.
- A “Turkey Trot” run is a popular way to start the day.
- Pie contests to see who can make the best pie.
- Turkey trots raise money for charity.
- Some families have a “Friendsgiving” with friends instead of family.
- Watching the National Dog Show after the parade.
- Writing thank-you notes to each other.
- Having a leftovers party the next day.
- Making ornaments for a Thanksgiving tree.
19. 🦃 Thanksgiving Quotes and Sayings
- “Gratitude turns what we have into enough.”
- “Thanksgiving is a time of togetherness and gratitude.”
- “Give thanks for a little and you will find a lot.”
- “Gratitude is the heart’s memory.”
- “Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action.”
- “In everything, give thanks.”
- “Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”
- “Be present in all things and thankful for all things.”
- “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues but the parent of all others.”
- “Thanksgiving is a time to count our blessings, not our calories.”
20. 🦃 Fun Thanksgiving Puns and Jokes
- Why did the turkey cross the road? To prove he wasn’t chicken!
- What key has legs and can’t open doors? A turkey!
- Why did the cranberries turn red? Because they saw the turkey dressing!
- What did the turkey say to the computer? Google, google, google!
- Why was the Thanksgiving soup so expensive? It had 24 carrots!
- Why did the turkey play the drums in his band? Because he already had drumsticks!
- What do you get if you divide the circumference of a pumpkin by its diameter? Pumpkin pi!
- What do you call a running turkey? Fast food!
- What’s the best song to sing while preparing your Thanksgiving turkey? All About That Baste!
- How do you keep a turkey in suspense? I’ll tell you at Christmas!
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is a holiday rich in history, tradition, and fun. From the first feast shared by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag to the modern-day festivities filled with food, parades, and football, Thanksgiving brings people together to celebrate and give thanks.
Whether you’re enjoying a traditional turkey dinner, participating in a Turkey Trot, or simply spending time with loved ones, Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on our blessings and share our gratitude.
James Wilson is the humorist extraordinaire at laughter.com. With his sharp wit and knack for finding the funny in every situation, James delivers laughter that’s contagious. Join him on his comedic journey and let James turn your day around with a smile
