When Is Thanksgiving Day 2024? Traditions, History, and How to Make This Year Special

By BrownAmeliaSep 21, 2024

A Slice of Thanksgiving History

We've all heard the story of the Pilgrims and the Native Americans sharing a harvest feast in 1621. But did you know that Thanksgiving wasn't always celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November?

President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved it from the last Thursday to the second-to-last in 1939 to extend the holiday shopping season. This sparked a national debate, with some states refusing to change the date. Congress finally settled the matter in 1941, officially setting Thanksgiving as the fourth Thursday in November.

Evolving Traditions

While some Thanksgiving traditions seem as old as Plymouth Rock, others are surprisingly recent:

Turkey Trots: These Thanksgiving morning runs have exploded in popularity since the 1970s. In 2019, over 1 million Americans participated in Turkey Trots nationwide.

Black Friday: The term "Black Friday" didn't become widely used until the 1980s. Now it's practically a holiday itself!

Deep-Fried Turkey: This dangerously delicious trend took off in the 1970s in the South and has since spread across the country.

Making Thanksgiving 2024 Memorable

Looking to shake things up this year? Here are some ideas:

Host a Pie-tastic Potluck: Instead of one person shouldering the burden of the entire meal, have everyone bring a different pie - sweet or savory. You might discover a new family favorite!
Take a "Thankful" Photo: Create a photo booth area with a "Thankful" backdrop. Have guests write what they're grateful for on a small chalkboard and snap a pic. It's a fun way to capture memories and gratitude.

Thanksgiving Eve Bonfire: Start a new tradition the night before. Gather around a bonfire (if local regulations allow), roast marshmallows, and share your favorite Thanksgiving memories.

Turkey Bowl with a Twist: Instead of regular football, try Turkey Bowl Bingo. Create bingo cards with football terms and plays. It's a great way to get non-sports fans involved in the game-watching tradition.
Gratitude Tree: Set up a small tree (real or artificial) and provide paper leaves and markers. Throughout the day, have family members write what they're thankful for on the leaves and hang them on the tree.

International Inspired Side Dishes: Challenge family members to bring a Thanksgiving-inspired side dish from another culture. You might end up with Korean candied sweet potatoes or Italian-style green beans!
Post-Meal Family Talent Show: Instead of falling into a food coma on the couch, host a family talent show. Singing, magic tricks, stand-up comedy - anything goes!

Remember, Thanksgiving is about more than just food and football. It's a time to connect with loved ones, express gratitude, and create lasting memories. Whether you stick to time-honored traditions or start new ones, the most important thing is spending quality time with the people who matter most.

So, as we look ahead to Thanksgiving 2024, let's focus on what truly makes this holiday special - the opportunity to pause, reflect, and appreciate the good things in our lives. After all, gratitude never goes out of style.

And hey, if all else fails, there's always pie. Lots and lots of pie.

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