Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a national holiday that started as a way to give thanks for the blessing of the harvest of the preceding year. It is now considered a secular holiday. It is common for Americans to share a family meal and view sporting events on Thanksgiving Day.
Other annual celebrations include the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Thanksgiving also marks the beginning of the holiday season and is promptly followed by Black Friday.
History of Thanksgiving:
The very first Thanksgiving was reported to be a tradition brought to the Americas by Pilgrims and Puritans, who celebrated the good harvest in 162 with Native Americans who helped them survive the winter.
Who made Thanksgiving a national holiday?
President George Washington proclaimed the first nationwide thanksgiving celebration on November 26, 1789. In 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a presidential proclamation changing the holiday to the last Thursday in November, and in 1941, Congress officially changed Thanksgiving to the fourth Thursday in November.
Why is Thanksgiving always on a Thursday? According to The Old Farmer's Almanac, Thanksgiving was moved to Thursday to distance the holiday from the Sabbath, and because Thursday was a typical day for lectures in New England.
Where is Thanksgiving celebrated?
Similarly named holidays take place around the world, not just in the United States. Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday of October in Canada while Brazil celebrates on the fourth Thursday, just like the U.S.
Other international festivals include the Harvest Thanksgiving Festival in Germany (first Sunday of October) and Japan's Labor Thanksgiving Day on Nov. 23.
Latest Thanksgiving News and Updates
Giant Balloons Weren't Always in the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, So What Did They Replace?
Before giant balloons filled the air on Thanksgiving, the Macy's parade featured these other stars.
Check Out the Big Names Taking the Stage at the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!
The 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will feature a star-studded lineup of performers that you don't want to miss!
America's Thanksgiving Story Is Well-Known, But Why Does Canada Celebrate Thanksgiving?
It may surprise some to learn that, although America feels proprietary about Thanksgiving, Canadian Thanksgiving was actually first.
Gobble up These 10 Thanksgiving TV Episodes to Get You in the Holiday Spirit
There are plenty of Thanksgiving-themed episodes airing on TV each year, but these are the top 10 episodes you can stream this holiday season.
The Tradition Lives On! Catch the Lions Taking the Football Field on Thanksgiving
For the last eight decades, the Detroit Lions have played a game on Thanksgiving Day. Together, we will discover the origin of this tradition.
Help Avoid Awkward Thanksgiving Conversations With These Excellent 'South Park' Episodes
'South Park' has been on the air for a very long time, so it only makes sense that they've accumulated quite a few wonderful Thanksgiving episodes.
The 5 Do’s (and Don’ts) During a Black Thanksgiving Dinner to Ensure a Drama-Free Day
For many Black families, Thanksgiving is the food Olympics. Here are 5 do's and don'ts to keep everyone focused on the positives this season.
30 Thanksgiving Jokes to Keep Your Kids Laughing All Day
These 30 Thanksgiving knock-knock jokes and jokes about turkeys that are family-friendly will keep your kids laughing all holiday long.
35 Thanksgiving Jokes for Adults Who Have Finally Outgrown the Kids' Table
You've made it. You've finally graduated from the kids' table for Thanksgiving. Time to impress your fellow grownups with your sense of humor!
No Thanksgiving Dinner? No Problem! These Fast Food Restaurants Will Be Open
In lieu of a home-cooked meal, several fast food eateries will be open on Thanksgiving Day, including McDonald's, Boston Market, and Burger King.
Why Do We Eat Turkey on Thanksgiving? No, It Isn't Because of the Pilgrims
Tis the season of mash potatoes, pumpkin pie, stuffing, and turkey. Which begs the question: why do we eat turkey on Thanksgiving? Let's unpack this.
Here's How Long Your Thanksgiving Leftovers Will Last in the Fridge
How long are Thanksgiving leftovers good for? Got tons of recipes for using your post-Thanksgiving leftovers? Here's how to know if they've gone bad!
Shop Around! 10 Black-Owned Fashion and Beauty Brands With Black Friday Deals
Black-owned fashion and beauty brands are around 365 days a year. However, these 10 companies have the best Black Friday 2023 deals!
40 Hilarious Thanksgiving Jokes to Tell Before the Food Coma Hits
Don't worry, we've harvested 40 tasty Thanksgiving jokes for you to feast on this year. From dad jokes to turkey jokes, there's a pun for everyone.
No Cable? No Problem! Here's How You Can Stream the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Cut the cord on cable? That doesn't mean you have to miss the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade! Here's how you can watch the parade without cable.
28 Hilarious Thanksgiving Memes That Hit a Little Too Close to Home
We've rounded up some of the best and most festive Thanksgiving memes to share with family and friends on Turkey Day. Have a laugh while you digest!
7 Easy and Delicious Friendsgiving Recipes Courtesy of TikTok
From Snickers salad to cheesy creamed corn, these easy TikTok Friendsgiving recipes are sure to please a crowd. Read on for instructions.
These “Monday After Thanksgiving” Memes Will Hopefully Ease You Back Into Reality
Mondays are hard, but the Monday after Thanksgiving can be nearly unbearable. Here's our top memes to get through your first day back from the long weekend!
Was "Jingle Bells" Originally Intended to Be a Thanksgiving Song? Here's What to Know
Was "Jingle Bells" intended to be sung around Thanksgiving, not Christmas? Unpacking the history of the famed holiday track.
6 Thanksgiving Movies for Kids and the Whole Family After You Feast
Looking for Thanksgiving movies for kids to turn on post-turkey? We have six must-watch flicks the entire family will love after the feast.
Thank You, Advil! Thanksgiving Drinking Games That Will Surely Get You Buzzed
Check out these Thanksgiving drinking games that you can play with family and friends this holiday. Enjoy the boozy fun, and make sure to drink water.
The Best 'Friends' Thanksgiving Episodes, Ranked From Worst to Best
The only thing worth watching on Thanksgiving (in addition to football and the parade) is ‘Friends.’ So, which Thanksgiving episodes are the best?
What Time Should Thanksgiving Dinner Be? Celebrities and Social Media Users Weigh In
Last year, Kelly Ripa, Ryan Seacrest, and Kevin Hart discussed what time Thanksgiving dinner should be served, and their answers might surprise you.
Preppy Kitchen's John Kanell Shares Pie Crust Hacks to Use This Thanksgiving (EXCLUSIVE)
Preppy Kitchen's John Kanell spoke exclusively with 'Distractify' about his go-to pie crust hacks to use this Thanksgiving holiday.
Here Are 8 Celebrity Thanksgiving Recipes to Level up Your Holiday Feast
You may have your Thanksgiving menu in mind, but these celebrity recipes may lead you to add a few last-minute additions.
45 Funny Thanksgiving Quotes to Get You Into Feasting Mood
Gobble gobble, it’s Thanksgiving! These funny Thanksgiving quotes will get you into the feasting mood and ready to celebrate the holiday.
Gobble These Delicious Dinners! 8 Thanksgiving Pre-cooked Meals You Can Purchase
Check out these 8 Thanksgiving to-go meals near you! With the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, buy these pre-cooked dinners for you and your family.
Green Wednesday Is the Pre-Holiday Celebration Stoners Didn’t Know They Needed
What is Green Wednesday? Read for everything we know about the holiday and the day-before-Thanksgiving Day deals across the country!
How to Stream 'A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving' and Officially Start the Holidays
Here’s how to stream 'A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving' this November to really get in the holiday spirit and appreciate the true meaning of turkey day.
These Stores Will Be Open on Thanksgiving if You Have a Turkey Day Emergency
Despite the holiday, there are some stores open on Thanksgiving 2022 — from Big Lots to Dollar General and more. Here's what's open on the holiday.
The Two Hosts of the National Dog Show Have a Long History With the Competition
It's that time again, and fans of the National Dog Show are wondering who are the hosts of the event. Here's what we know about this paw-sitively fun event.
See the Cast of the Thankgiving Classic 'Planes, Trains, and Automobiles' Now
'Planes, Trains, and Automobiles' is one of the best Thanksgiving films. It's been 34 years, so let's see what the entire cast is up to now.
Gobble Gobble! Thanksgiving Leftovers Basically Birthed the Entire TV Dinner Industry
Millions of people worldwide enjoy TV dinners as a cheap and easy food source. So, how are they linked to Thanksgiving leftovers? Details.
What Should You Wear to Celebrate Thanksgiving? Check out This Outfit Inspo From TikTok
Trendsetters on TikTok have been posting cute ideas about what to wear while celebrating Thanksgiving this year. Here's some fashion inspo.
23 Thanksgiving-Inspired Cocktail Recipes to Spice up Your Holiday Dinner
Check out these 23 Thanksgiving cocktail recipes that will complement your dinner and taste. From ciders to old-fashioneds, these drinks are delicious.
These TikTok Thanksgiving Decor Ideas Will Set the Festivities in Motion
With Turkey Day almost here, families are likely scrambling to finalize decorations. But TikTok's got us covered with Thanksgiving decor ideas.
Here Are Some of the Big Names Performing at the 2021 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Nobody does Thanksgiving Day parades like New York City. Here are all of the details on the 2021 Macy's Thanksgiving day parade performers.
Running Low on Recipe Ideas for Thanksgiving? TikTok Says They're Bringing the Sides This Year
When in doubt for creative food recipes, TikTok always has the answer. This Thanksgiving, try out some of these highly-viewed recipes!
The Best Way to Celebrate Thanksgiving Is by Watching the Macy's Parade! Here's How to Watch
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has gone on annually since 1924. The event is so special! Here's how to watch it when the time comes.
Fans Are Convinced Bad Bunny Is Dropping His Third Album of 2020 on Thanksgiving
Bad Bunny cryptically tweeted "temazo," prompting many people to believe he is dropping another album on Thanksgiving — his third in 2020.
Grandparents Sent Life-Size Cardboard Cutouts of Themselves to Family for Thanksgiving
Missy and Barry Buchanan knew they wouldn't be able to get together with family this year because of the pandemic, so they sent life-size cardboard cutouts of themselves instead.
Spread These Memes Instead of COVID-19 This Thanksgiving
Many government officials are recommending families don't gather this holiday season, so send your family these COVID-friendly Thanksgiving memes instead.
Yes, Some Liquor Stores Are Open on Thanksgiving — but Order Ahead of Time Anyway
Where are liquor stores open on Thanksgiving? See which states let liquor stores do business on the holiday — and how to shop safely this year.
Fast Food On Thanksgiving? Sounds 2020-Appropriate
Cooking can be hard, so definitely take advantage of these Thanksgiving fast food deals to make that family feast next level (and stress-free!).
Why Dr. Fauci and His Wife Won’t See Their Family This Thanksgiving
Dr. Anthony Fauci is healthcare’s spokesperson when it comes to the coronavirus pandemic, and now his wife has spoken out for the first time.
Enjoy a Thanksgiving Feast With Turkey Dinner-Flavored Candy Corn!
Brach's just released turkey dinner-flavored candy corn, which has six unique flavors. Here's where you can purchase a bag of the savory candy.
Eating Turkey This Thanksgiving? You May Want to Rethink It
Turkey has often been considered one of the healthier options for meat-eaters. But is turkey actually bad for you? We break down the risks.
This Is What It’s Like Having a Thanksgiving Feast Made Entirely By Taco Bell
Distractify went to Taco Bell's Friendsgiving feast to try their fast food made into fancy Thanksgiving-style dishes meant to inspire diners to have Taco Bell menu items for Friendsgiving.
Thanksgiving Movies on Netflix to Watch as You Deal With Your Food Coma
You’re done eating your Thanksgiving dinner, so what comes next? Here are some of the best Thanksgiving movies on Netflix. (And some TV shows, too.)
Strangers Who Met Through a Wrong Number Text Have Spent the Last 4 Thanksgivings Together
Four years ago, Wanda accidentally texted Jamal about her family's Thanksgiving celebration. They met anyway, and four years later, their friendship is still going strong.
