The Thanksgiving holiday is more than a delicious meal, football game or parade. It’s a season that celebrates gratitude, community, family, tradition and culture. It’s a time to reflect on the importance and significance of loved ones and what we have in life. It brings people together to connect, support and give back to the community. There are many traditions celebrated on this special day that invite us to create lasting memories with friends and family, often enhanced by beautiful Thanksgiving decorations that symbolize the season.
The Reason we Celebrate Thanksgiving
Simply put, we celebrate Thanksgiving to give thanks for life’s abundant gifts. Gratitude is about reflection and reminding us to appreciate all the good that we have been given, both big and small. It promotes a sense of presence, encouraging us to savor moments and enjoy where we are, not taking it for granted. Expressing gratitude and thankfulness to others strengthens and deepens relationships while recognizing our gifts in life can inspire us to give back to those less fortunate.
The Origin of Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is rooted in both historical and cultural significance. The holiday originates from the early 17th century when Pilgrims and Native Americans celebrated their first successful harvest and fruits of labor in Plymouth, Massachusetts. This day served as a reminder of what we’re thankful for and has been celebrated since. It’s a day that brings people together, fosters relationships and creates memories through tradition, customs and meals.
Throughout the world, many countries have holidays similar to Thanksgiving. Like the US, they celebrate harvests, abundance and togetherness through festivals, feasts and days of observance. Gratitude and community are two themes that overlap in many countries during the autumn season.
Celebrations Around the World
United States
In the U.S., Thanksgiving is widely celebrated with a traditional meal including turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie. Many people travel to see friends and family and often share what they are thankful for by going around the table before the meal starts. Some choose to watch football games while others attend parades, volunteer, or get a head start on Christmas shopping.
Canada
Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday in October. Just like in the U.S., the day involves family gatherings and feasting, often with a focus on gratitude for the harvest. Meals are similar to that of the United States and due to the time of year, many enjoy outdoor activities like hiking or visiting fall fairs, taking advantage of the beautiful autumn weather.
Australia
Those in Australia who are influenced by American culture may choose to celebrate a similar version of the U.S. holiday, often involving friends and family around a meal. A similar harvest celebration, called Harvest Festival or Easter, which focuses on gratitude and community, embraces the Thanksgiving spirit in various ways throughout the year.
Mexico
In Mexico, people who are influenced by American culture may choose to celebrate Thanksgiving with a special meal. Mexico also celebrates its harvest with Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) and various regional festivals that express thankfulness and honor ancestors. Community, family, and gratitude are the focus though they differ in timing and customs from the American Thanksgiving.
United Kingdom
In the U.K., Harvest Festival is observed in the autumn, typically in September or October. The holiday involves giving thanks for the harvest and often includes church services where food is collected for those in need. Those influenced by American culture may choose to celebrate Thanksgiving in a more traditional way with themed meals.
Germany
Erntedankfest, or "Harvest Festival," is celebrated in September or October. It’s a religious holiday thanking God for the harvest, featuring music, dancing, and festive meals. Many families and communities come together to share a meal featuring local ingredients and decorate their homes and public spaces with the harvested crops. The day is all about coming together and giving thanks.
South Korea
Chuseok, or the Harvest Festival, is celebrated in the fall and is one of the most significant holidays of the year. Families honor their ancestors by performing rituals with food offerings and sharing meals that include freshly harvested rice and seasonal foods. Songpyeon, a rice cake filled with sweetened ingredients, is a common traditional food that is served. Games, dances, and other cultural performances are participated in by many. The day is celebrated as a national holiday, with schools and businesses typically closed, allowing families to spend time together.
Japan
Kinrō Kansha no Hi, or Labor Thanksgiving Day, is observed on November 23. It honors workers and expresses gratitude for labor, focusing on the importance of work in society. It’s not seen as a major holiday, though people engage in activities, fairs and celebrations with friends and family to reflect on their blessings and effort in everyday life.
China
China does not have a traditional Thanksgiving holiday like the United States or Canada, though people in urban areas may choose to celebrate a version of the day as a cultural import, often around the same time as the American holiday in November. Hotels and restaurants in the area may offer Thanksgiving-themed meals, while friends and families might gather in the same capacity as the U.S. China also celebrates the Mid-Autumn Festival to express gratitude for the harvest and family togetherness.
Brazil
Brazil celebrates a similar event to Thanksgiving called "Dia de Ação de Graças" (Day of Thanksgiving), which is observed on the fourth Thursday of November. The celebration is more subdued compared to the U.S. but some may still gather for family meals. In addition, Brazil has its own harvest festival called "Festa da Colheita," celebrated in various regions to give thanks for the crops and to honor agricultural traditions.
South Africa
The people of South Africa celebrate Heritage Day on September 24. This day honors the diverse cultural heritage while encouraging people to celebrate their traditions, including sharing meals with family and friends. Similar to the US, South Africa centers around gratitude, community and giving thanks for the crops.
To Sum up
No matter where you are on Thanksgiving Day, many places around the world are giving thanks, celebrating with friends and family, and expressing gratitude for all of life’s gifts. From cultural traditions, history, and community, we can be inspired to connect and be mindful of our everyday life. Whether you are celebrating in the U.S. or abroad, we invite you to explore our collection of Thanksgiving décor to bring the season of giving to life.
