25 Facts About Thanksgiving Messages

The Origins of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a holiday rich in history and tradition. Here are some fascinating facts about its origins.

1. The first Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1621 by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe. It lasted three days and was a harvest festival.

2. Thanksgiving became a national holiday in 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed it during the Civil War to foster unity.

3. The Pilgrims didn't call their feast "Thanksgiving." They referred to it as a harvest celebration.

4. The first Thanksgiving menu was quite different from today's. It included venison, fowl, fish, and corn, but no pumpkin pie or mashed potatoes.

Thanksgiving Traditions

Traditions make Thanksgiving special. Here are some that have stood the test of time.

5. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade started in 1924 and has become an iconic part of the holiday.

6. Watching football on Thanksgiving began in 1876 with a game between Yale and Princeton. Today, the NFL hosts games every Thanksgiving.

7. Breaking the wishbone is a tradition that dates back to the Pilgrims. Two people pull on the bone, and the one with the larger piece gets to make a wish.

8. The tradition of pardoning a turkey started with President John F. Kennedy in 1963. Every year, the President spares a turkey from becoming dinner.

Thanksgiving Around the World

Thanksgiving isn't just an American holiday. Other countries have their own versions of giving thanks.

9. Canada celebrates Thanksgiving on the second Monday in October. It started in 1578, predating the American version.

10. In Germany, Erntedankfest is a harvest festival celebrated in early October, focusing on giving thanks for a good harvest.

11. Japan has Labor Thanksgiving Day on November 23, a day to honor labor and production.

12. Liberia celebrates Thanksgiving on the first Thursday of November, a tradition started by freed American slaves.

Fun Thanksgiving Facts

Thanksgiving has some quirky and fun facts that might surprise you.

13. The day after Thanksgiving is the busiest day for plumbers, thanks to all the food waste and clogged sinks.

14. The Butterball Turkey Talk-Line, started in 1981, helps thousands of people cook their turkeys each year.

15. The largest pumpkin pie ever made weighed over 3,700 pounds and measured more than 20 feet in diameter.

16. Americans eat an estimated 46 million turkeys each Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Messages and Communication

Sending Thanksgiving messages is a heartfelt way to connect with loved ones. Here are some interesting facts about this tradition.

17. The first Thanksgiving card was created in the late 1800s, featuring turkeys and autumn scenes.

18. Today, millions of Thanksgiving cards are sent each year, with messages of gratitude and love.

19. Text messages and social media posts have become popular ways to send Thanksgiving greetings, making it easier to reach more people.

20. Thanksgiving messages often include quotes from famous figures, such as "Gratitude turns what we have into enough" by Aesop.

Thanksgiving Food Facts

Food is a central part of Thanksgiving. Here are some tasty tidbits about the holiday's culinary traditions.

21. Cranberries, a staple of Thanksgiving dinner, were used by Native Americans for food, dye, and medicine.

22. The average American consumes around 4,500 calories on Thanksgiving Day, thanks to the feast.

23. Green bean casserole, a popular side dish, was created by the Campbell Soup Company in 1955.

24. Pumpkin pie, a Thanksgiving favorite, wasn't at the first Thanksgiving. It became popular in the 19th century.

25. Sweet potatoes with marshmallows, another classic dish, was first introduced in a recipe booklet by the Angelus Marshmallow company in 1917.

Thanksgiving Messages: A Heartfelt Tradition

Thanksgiving messages are more than just words. They’re a way to connect, express gratitude, and spread joy. Whether you’re sending a text, writing a card, or sharing a social media post, these messages can make someone’s day brighter. They remind us of the importance of family, friends, and the simple act of giving thanks.

Crafting the perfect message doesn’t have to be complicated. A few heartfelt words can go a long way. Think about what you’re thankful for and share it. Personal touches, like mentioning a shared memory or inside joke, can make your message even more special.

So, as Thanksgiving approaches, take a moment to reach out to those you care about. A simple message can strengthen bonds and create lasting memories. Happy Thanksgiving!