When Is Thanksgiving 2023? Dates and Traditions of Americas Holiday!

Thanksgiving is a holiday celebrated annually in the United States on the fourth Thursday of November.

However, if you're wondering when Thanksgiving 2023 will be celebrated, you've come to the right place.

When is Thanksgiving this Year?

Thanksgiving Day in 2023 will be celebrated on Thursday, November 23rd.

Date	Day	Holiday
November 23, 2023	Thursday	Thanksgiving Day

This date is set in stone, as Thanksgiving is always celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November.

It is a day to gather with loved ones, share a meal, and express gratitude for all the good things in life.

Whether you're planning a big family gathering or a quiet day at home, Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the blessings of the past year and look forward to the future.

Thanksgiving This Year 2023 Date

Thanksgiving Day is a national holiday celebrated in the United States on the fourth Thursday of November every year.

This year In 2023, Thanksgiving Day will be celebrated on November 23, 2023, which is a Thursday. This means that Thanksgiving Day 2023 falls on the same date as it did in 2017.

Thanksgiving Day is a time for families and friends to come together and give thanks for the blessings they have received throughout the year. It is also a time to enjoy a delicious meal together, typically featuring a roasted turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.

If you are planning to celebrate Thanksgiving Day this year in 2023, it is important to mark your calendar for November 23, 2023.

This will ensure that you don't forget the date and can make appropriate arrangements to celebrate the holiday with your loved ones.

Here is a table with the important dates and information related to Thanksgiving Day 2023:

Date	Day	Holiday
November 23, 2023	Thursday	Thanksgiving Day

Why is Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November?

Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States. This tradition started with a declaration by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863.

However, there was some confusion about which Thursday of the month was officially Thanksgiving in the following years. 

President Roosevelt eventually signed legislation in 1941 that declared the fourth Thursday in November as the official Thanksgiving holiday

Why is Thanksgiving always on a Thursday?

Thanksgiving is always on a Thursday in the United States because that was the day chosen by President George Washington in 1789 for the first national Thanksgiving holiday (source: Almanac.com).

Over the years, the date of Thanksgiving bounced around informally, but in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declared the last Thursday in November to be the official day of Thanksgiving.

Later, in 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a bill that made the fourth Thursday in November the official date of Thanksgiving

Origins of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a holiday that has been celebrated in North America for centuries. Its origins can be traced back to the 16th century when European settlers arrived in what is now the United States.

The holiday has its roots in the harvest festivals that were celebrated by Native Americans in North America long before the arrival of the Europeans.

One of the most famous stories associated with the origins of Thanksgiving is the celebration that took place in Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1621.

According to the story, a group of Pilgrims who had arrived in Plymouth on the Mayflower held a celebratory feast with the Wampanoag Native Americans who had helped them survive their first winter. The feast is said to have lasted for three days and included a variety of foods, including turkey, venison, and fish.

However, the story of the first Thanksgiving is not without controversy. Some historians argue that the feast was not a unique event but rather a continuation of the harvest festivals that were already being celebrated by both the Pilgrims and the Native Americans.

Others point out that the relationship between the Pilgrims and the Native Americans was not always peaceful and that the feast may have been more of a political gesture than a genuine celebration of friendship.

Despite the controversy surrounding its origins, Thanksgiving has become an important holiday in the United States, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November.

It is a time for families and friends to come together, share a meal, and give thanks for the blessings of the past year. Whether you celebrate Thanksgiving as a religious holiday or simply as a time to gather with loved ones, it is an important part of American culture and history.

Thanksgiving as a Federal Holiday

Thanksgiving Day is a national holiday in the United States. It is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November each year. The day is observed as a federal holiday, which means that all non-essential federal government offices are closed, and federal employees are given the day off.

The holiday was first established by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, during the Civil War. He declared the last Thursday in November to be a national day of "Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens."

In 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved the holiday up one week to help boost the economy during the Great Depression. This move was not well received by many Americans, and it caused controversy. Some states continued to celebrate the holiday on the traditional date, while others followed the new date. This confusion led to the term "Franksgiving" being coined.

Finally, in 1941, Congress passed a law making Thanksgiving Day a federal holiday on the fourth Thursday of November. This law settled the controversy and ensured that the holiday would be celebrated on the same day across the country.

National Thanksgiving Day is not only a time for feasting and family gatherings, but also a time to reflect on the blessings of the past year. It is a day to give thanks for the harvest and other good things in life.

In summary, Thanksgiving Day is a federal holiday in the United States, observed on the fourth Thursday of November each year. It was established by President Abraham Lincoln, and made official by Congress in 1941. It is a time to give thanks for the blessings of the past year and celebrate with loved ones.

Thanksgiving Traditions

Thanksgiving is a time-honored tradition in the United States, celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November. It is a time to give thanks for the blessings in your life and spend time with family and friends. Here are some of the most popular Thanksgiving traditions:

The Feast

Thanksgiving is synonymous with a delicious feast. The centerpiece of the meal is typically a roasted turkey. Other popular dishes include stuffing, potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. The meal is often served family-style, with everyone gathered around the table sharing the dishes.

Blessing

Many families begin the meal with a blessing, giving thanks for the food and the company. This can be a religious or secular tradition, depending on the family's beliefs.

Family and Friends

Thanksgiving is a time for family and friends to come together. Many people travel long distances to be with their loved ones on this special day. It is a time to catch up, reminisce, and make new memories.

Parades

Thanksgiving Day parades are a beloved tradition in many cities across the United States. The most famous of these is the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. The parade features giant balloons, marching bands, and celebrity performances.

Roast Turkey

Roast turkey is the star of the Thanksgiving meal. It is typically seasoned with herbs and spices and roasted until golden brown. Some families like to brine their turkey before roasting for extra flavor and moisture.

Stuffing

Stuffing is a classic Thanksgiving side dish. It is made from bread cubes, herbs, and vegetables and baked until crispy on top. Some families like to add sausage or other meats to their stuffing for extra flavor.

Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a staple of the Thanksgiving meal. They are typically made with butter and milk or cream and seasoned with salt and pepper. Some families like to add garlic, cheese, or other ingredients to their mashed potatoes for extra flavor.

Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce is a sweet and tangy side dish that pairs perfectly with turkey. It is typically made from fresh or canned cranberries and sugar. Some families like to add orange zest, cinnamon, or other spices to their cranberry sauce for extra flavor.

Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin pie is a classic Thanksgiving dessert. It is made from a spiced pumpkin custard baked in a pie crust. Some families like to top their pumpkin pie with whipped cream or serve it with vanilla ice cream.

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the blessings in your life and spend time with loved ones. Whether you are enjoying a traditional feast or starting new traditions, the most important thing is to cherish the time you have with family and friends.

Thanksgiving and the Great Depression

During the Great Depression, the United States was facing an economic crisis that affected the livelihoods of many Americans. President Franklin D. Roosevelt saw Thanksgiving as an opportunity to boost the economy and lift the spirits of the people.

In 1939, Roosevelt decided to move Thanksgiving up a week to give retailers more time to sell goods before Christmas. This decision was met with mixed reactions. Some people supported the idea, while others were against it.

The change was referred to as "Franksgiving" and caused confusion as some states followed the new date while others stuck to the traditional date. Eventually, Congress stepped in and passed a law in 1941 that officially declared Thanksgiving to be celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November.

Despite the controversy surrounding the change, Roosevelt's decision to move Thanksgiving up a week did have a positive impact on the economy. Retailers reported higher sales during the holiday season, and the change helped to stimulate the economy during a difficult time.

Today, Thanksgiving remains an important holiday in the United States, and families gather together to give thanks and celebrate the blessings in their lives. While the origins of the holiday can be traced back to the Pilgrims and Native Americans, the holiday has evolved over time and has become a symbol of unity and gratitude.

Whe is Thanksgiving in Canada this year, 2023?

In Canada Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday of October every year.

It is a statutory holiday, except in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, where it is a designated retail closing day.

Thanksgiving has its roots in European harvest festivals where people celebrated an abundant harvest and shared their food within their community. The first Thanksgiving in Canada was celebrated in 1578 by explorer Martin Frobisher, who was looking for a northern passage to the Pacific.

Thanksgiving in Canada is a time for families and friends to come together and share a meal. The traditional Thanksgiving meal usually includes roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.

In Newfoundland, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the same day as the rest of Canada, but it is also known as Discovery Day. This day commemorates the arrival of John Cabot in Newfoundland in 1497.

Overall, Thanksgiving in Canada is a time to give thanks for the blessings of the year and to spend time with loved ones.

The Day After Thanksgiving: Black Friday

Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving and is considered the start of the Christmas shopping season. It is a day when retailers offer huge discounts and deals on various products, including electronics, appliances, clothing, and more. Black Friday is the busiest shopping day of the year, with millions of people flocking to stores and shopping online to take advantage of the discounts.

In 2023, Black Friday falls on November 24, which is the fourth Friday in November. Based on previous years, most Black Friday sales start on Thanksgiving Day (or even before) and extend throughout the Black Friday weekend and into Cyber Monday.

Retailers use Black Friday as an opportunity to clear out their inventory and make room for new products. They offer discounts and deals to attract shoppers and increase their sales. Some retailers offer doorbuster deals, which are special discounts on specific products that are only available for a limited time or in limited quantities.

Christmas shopping is a major event in the United States, and Black Friday is the perfect opportunity to start your Christmas shopping and save money at the same time. You can find great deals on gifts for your loved ones and save money on your Christmas shopping.

In conclusion, Black Friday is the busiest shopping day of the year and the perfect opportunity to start your Christmas shopping and save money at the same time. Retailers offer huge discounts and deals on various products, including electronics, appliances, clothing, and more. So, if you want to take advantage of the discounts, mark your calendar for November 24, 2023, and get ready to shop!

Thanksgiving Cuisine

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and food. A traditional Thanksgiving dinner usually features a roasted turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, gravy, and a variety of vegetables. But there are also many other dishes that can be added to the menu to make the meal more festive.

Turkey

Turkey is the star of the Thanksgiving meal. It is usually roasted in the oven and served with stuffing and gravy. The size of the turkey depends on the number of guests, but a general rule of thumb is to allow 1 pound of turkey per person.

Stuffing

Stuffing is a dish that is made from bread, herbs, and spices. It is usually stuffed inside the turkey and cooked along with it. Some people prefer to cook the stuffing separately in a casserole dish. There are many variations of stuffing, including cornbread stuffing, sausage stuffing, and chestnut stuffing.

Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce is a sweet and tart sauce that is made from cranberries, sugar, and water. It is usually served as a condiment with the turkey. Some people prefer to make their own cranberry sauce, while others buy it pre-made.

Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin pie is a classic Thanksgiving dessert. It is made from pumpkin puree, sugar, spices, and eggs. The filling is poured into a pie crust and baked until set. Pumpkin pie is usually served with whipped cream.

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a staple of the Thanksgiving meal. They are made from boiled potatoes that are mashed with butter and milk. Some people like to add garlic or herbs to their mashed potatoes for extra flavor.

Gravy

Gravy is a sauce that is made from the drippings of the roasted turkey. It is thickened with flour or cornstarch and seasoned with salt and pepper. Gravy is usually served over the turkey and mashed potatoes.

Vegetables

Vegetables are an important part of the Thanksgiving meal. Some popular choices include green beans, corn, carrots, and Brussels sprouts. Vegetables can be roasted, steamed, or sautéed to add flavor and nutrition to the meal.

Thanksgiving Side Dishes

In addition to the traditional Thanksgiving dishes, there are many side dishes that can be added to the menu. Some popular choices include sweet potato casserole, macaroni and cheese, and roasted root vegetables.

Thanksgiving Dessert

In addition to pumpkin pie, there are many other desserts that can be served at Thanksgiving. Some popular choices include apple pie, pecan pie, and cheesecake.

Menu

Planning a Thanksgiving menu can be overwhelming, but with a little planning, it can be a breeze. Start by deciding on the main dishes, such as the turkey and stuffing, and then add in the side dishes and desserts. Don't forget to take into account any dietary restrictions or allergies.

Restaurant

If you don't feel like cooking a Thanksgiving meal, there are many restaurants that offer Thanksgiving dinners. Some popular chain restaurants that are open on Thanksgiving include Cracker Barrel, Bob Evans, and Denny's.

Thanksgiving 2024 Preview

When is Thanksgiving Next Year?

Looking ahead to next year, Thanksgiving 2024 will be celebrated on Thursday, November 28th. As always, it will fall on the fourth Thursday of November, which is the traditional date for this holiday.

Thanksgiving is a time for families and friends to come together and enjoy a big feast. It is also a time to reflect on the blessings of the past year and give thanks for them. Many people use this holiday as an opportunity to volunteer their time to help those less fortunate.

In 2024, Thanksgiving will be followed by Black Friday, which is the biggest shopping day of the year in the United States. Many retailers offer deep discounts on this day, and it is a popular time for people to start their holiday shopping.

If you're planning to celebrate Thanksgiving in 2024, it's a good idea to start planning early. You'll want to make sure you have enough food, drinks, and decorations to make your celebration a success. You may also want to consider inviting friends and family members who don't live nearby to join you for the holiday.

Overall, Thanksgiving 2024 promises to be a time of joy, gratitude, and togetherness. Whether you're celebrating with family, friends, or both, it's sure to be a day to remember. So mark your calendar now and start looking forward to this special holiday!