Senior Living News,
November 2025

Every year, on the fourth Thursday of November, families across the United States gather to share a meal, express gratitude, and celebrate togetherness. But where did this beloved holiday come from? The history of Thanksgiving is a story that blends early American history, cultural exchange, and the enduring spirit of thankfulness.

The origins of Thanksgiving trace back to 1621, when English settlers known as the Pilgrims held a feast in Plymouth, Massachusetts to celebrate their first successful harvest in the New World. After a harsh winter that claimed many lives, the Pilgrims were grateful for the help of the Wampanoag people, who taught them how to grow corn, fish, and live off the land. For many years, Thanksgiving was celebrated only in certain regions of the country and on different dates. It wasn’t until 1863, during the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday, calling for a day of “thanksgiving and praise” to bring the nation together during difficult times.
Lincoln chose the last Thursday in November as the official date, inspired by the efforts of Sarah Josepha Hale, a writer and editor who had campaigned for years to make Thanksgiving a national holiday.

Over the centuries, Thanksgiving has evolved from a harvest celebration into a day centered around family, food, and gratitude. Traditional meals often include roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. From its humble beginnings as a harvest feast to a nationwide day of reflection, Thanksgiving continues to remind Americans of the power of community.