When is Thanksgiving in the United States and Why?

The Thanksgiving holiday in the United States is consistently celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, a tradition that has been in place since 1942. This date was formally established by a joint resolution of Congress, signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR). Prior to this, Thanksgiving was not always on the same date each year, leading to confusion and double holidays.

History and Background

According to a passage cited from Wikipedia, Roosevelt signed this resolution, changing the official national Thanksgiving Day to the fourth Thursday in November, effective from 1942 onwards. The reasons behind this change were multifaceted. In 1939, Thanksgiving was on the third Thursday of November, which led to a shorter holiday shopping season. By moving it to the fourth Thursday, Roosevelt aimed to extend the holiday shopping period, which was crucial for the economy recovering from the Great Depression.

Why Thanksgiving is on a Different Date Each Year

The specific date of Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November can vary from one year to the next. This is because the number of Thursdays in November can range from four to five, depending on the calendar. In a normal year, there are four Thursdays in November, but it can extend to five Thursdays in the event of an extra late month.

Current Celebrations and Traditions

Despite being officially set on the fourth Thursday of November, the exact date of Thanksgiving can shift each year. For instance, in 2023, Thanksgiving will fall on November 23. The holiday is primarily associated with a harvest feast and traditional foods, many of which are autumn produce. This period is also marked by various celebrations, family gatherings, and long weekends to commemorate the occasion.

Interestingly, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving is often considered the worst day of the year for travel, whether you are driving across town to visit family or flying home for the holiday. This day is notorious for long queues at airports and highways and is often filled with stress for travelers.

Detailed Celebrations and Observances

To pinpoint the exact date for any given year, a simple Google search with the query 'fourth Thursday in November [year]' will suffice. For 2023, you can easily find that Thanksgiving will be on November 23. Understanding when Thanksgiving is each year is crucial, as the holiday falls within the holiday shopping season, which is vital for the economy.

Enjoy a brief history of the holiday, Thanksgiving trivia, folklore, and more as you prepare for this significant American tradition. Whether you are celebrating with a family feast, watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, or spending quality time with loved ones, the fourth Thursday of November marks a beloved holiday in the United States.

Conclusion

The Thanksgiving holiday in the United States is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, marking a rich tradition that has been fortunately settled since 1942. From its origins inspired by a harvest feast to its contemporary observances, Thanksgiving continues to be a cherished moment in the American calendar, uniting families and fostering community spirit.