History

Thanksgiving traces its roots to early colonial harvest festivals, most famously the 1621 feast shared between the Plymouth colonists and the Wampanoag people. Over time, the day evolved into a broader national observance, with President Abraham Lincoln declaring it a federal holiday in 1863 during the Civil War, designating the last Thursday of November as a day of “Thanksgiving and Praise”.

Observances

Most Americans celebrate Thanksgiving with family or friends, gathering for a festive meal. The traditional dinner typically centers around roast turkey, accompanied by dishes like stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, gravy, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie. Many families offer prayers or express gratitude before the meal.

• Watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, televised from New York City, is a cherished tradition for many.

• Football games, both amateur and professional (such as NFL games), are commonly watched or played.

• Many volunteer at shelters or donate to food drives, emphasizing the holiday’s charitable aspect.

• The long holiday weekend is also associated with “Black Friday,” the major retail shopping event on the Friday following Thanksgiving.

• Many American men still see Thanksgiving as a time to unwind with family, enjoy traditions (like football), and take part in gratitude rituals at the table.

• There’s a growing consciousness around sharing responsibilities, and in some households, men are intentionally more engaged in cooking, hosting, or even organizing charity activities like “Turkey Trots” or food drives

• In recent years, these roles are changing. More men are stepping into the kitchen or helping with meal prep, clean-up, or child care. Some families strive for an egalitarian division of labor, with everyone (regardless of gender) chipping in where needed.​

• Some men take pride in key tasks, like smoking, roasting, or deep-frying the turkey—a centerpiece responsibility often seen as a special “male” contribution.

Thanksgiving has become a largely secular holiday, though it may include prayers or religious services for some. Regional and cultural variations affect the foods served and the customs observed. The holiday is also a time of travel, with millions journeying to visit loved ones, making it one of the busiest travel periods of the year.