Why Is Thanksgiving Day 2025 Celebrated? History, Importance and Customs Explained
Thanksgiving Day 2025 is a major cultural celebration dedicated to gratitude, unity, and the spirit of sharing. Observed in both the United States and Canada, Thanksgiving is a time when families and communities come together to reflect on blessings, enjoy traditional meals, and participate in meaningful traditions. In 2025, Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Thursday, November 27 in the United States and Monday, October 13 in Canada.
What is Thanksgiving Day?
Thanksgiving Day is a national holiday that honors thankfulness for the harvest and all that we have received over the year. The day is recognized for family reunions, feasting, and expressions of gratitude, making it one of the most cherished observances in North America. Although its origins are rooted in harvest festivals, today Thanksgiving also represents cultural unity, kindness, and giving back to the community.
History and Origins of Thanksgiving Day
The history of Thanksgiving Day stretches back to early colonial times and is closely linked to the Pilgrims' arrival in North America and their encounters with Native American tribes.
- 1621: The first widely-recognized Thanksgiving was held in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Pilgrims and members of the Wampanoag tribe shared an autumn harvest feast, emphasizing cooperation and gratitude.
- 1863: During the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday, encouraging Americans to come together in thanks.
- 1941: The United States Congress established Thanksgiving Day as the fourth Thursday in November.
In Canada, Thanksgiving traces its roots to early explorer Martin Frobisher, who held a celebration of thanks in 1578 for safe passage. Canada's Thanksgiving evolved as a celebration of the harvest, observed on the second Monday of October.
Thanksgiving Day 2025: Dates in the US & Canada
| Country | Thanksgiving Day 2025 Date | Traditional Focus |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Thursday, November 27, 2025 | Harvest, gratitude, family gatherings |
| Canada | Monday, October 13, 2025 | Thankful for the autumn harvest |
The Importance and Significance of Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Day holds a special place in North American culture. Its core values include:
- Expressing Gratitude: Focusing on thankfulness and recognizing what we have
- Family & Togetherness: Bringing loved ones together for shared meals and memories
- Community & Generosity: Volunteering, charity drives, and support for those in need
- Reflection and Unity: Remembering cooperation between cultures and celebrating peace
How is Thanksgiving Celebrated?
Thanksgiving Day 2025 will be celebrated with a mix of classic traditions and new activities suitable for every family or community. Popular observances include:
- Family Feast: Roast turkey, pumpkin pie, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and seasonal vegetables are staples on the Thanksgiving table.
- Parades: Famous events like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade are broadcast and watched by millions.
- Football: Watching thanksgiving day NFL games 2025 is a favorite tradition for many.
- Volunteering: Many people use this time to help at shelters or participate in food drives.
- Thanksgiving Cards & Wishes: Sending messages or writing short thanksgiving quotes to friends and teachers.
- Gratitude Activities: Creating gratitude lists or crafts at home or in school.
Traditional Thanksgiving Foods and What They Symbolise
| Food | Symbolism | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Roast Turkey | Abundance, harvest, unity | Usually the centerpiece of the meal |
| Pumpkin Pie | Thankfulness, autumn crops | Traditional dessert |
| Cranberry Sauce | Harvest, Native American culture | Adds tangy flavor |
| Stuffing | Harvest skills | Savory dish inside/outside turkey |
| Corn, Beans, Squash | 'Three Sisters', Indigenous crops | Colorful and nutritious sides |
Engaging Ideas for Students: Celebrate Thanksgiving Day 2025
As a student, you can embrace the meaning of Thanksgiving Day in creative, personalized ways:
- Start a classroom gratitude project or participate in a group discussion about giving thanks
- Help cook or set the table at home, learning about traditional recipes
- Write or share thanksgiving day wishes or short notes to friends or teachers
- Organize charity or food drives with classmates
- Research and share the story of the first Thanksgiving in class presentations or posters
- Create crafts based on the "Three Sisters" crops (corn, beans, and squash)
Educational Messages for Thanksgiving
- Respect History: Understand multiple perspectives, including Indigenous experiences linked to Thanksgiving
- Practice Kindness: Use the festival as a reminder of sharing and community support
- Gratitude Daily: Cultivate thankfulness throughout the year not just on the holiday
Famous Thanksgiving Quotes and Slogans
- “Gratitude turns what we have into enough.”
- “Thanksgiving is a time of togetherness and gratitude.”
- “Give thanks with a grateful heart.”
- “May your blessings be multiplied this year and throughout all your life.”
- “Together we have so much to be thankful for.”
- “Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.”
Differences Between US and Canadian Thanksgiving
| Aspect | USA | Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Date in 2025 | November 27 (Fourth Thursday) | October 13 (Second Monday) |
| Historical Roots | Pilgrims & Wampanoag, 1621 | Explorer Frobisher, 1578, Harvest traditions |
| Key Foods | Turkey, pumpkin pie, cranberries | Turkey, harvest vegetables, stuffing |
| Major Traditions | Parades, football, family feasts | Family meals, outdoor activities |
Related Celebrations and Learning Opportunities
If you enjoy learning about family and cultural days, you may also be interested in:
- World Gratitude Day
- Halloween 2025
- International Family Day
- National Cancer Awareness Day
- Dev Deepawali
Thanksgiving Day 2025 offers everyone a chance to cultivate lasting gratitude, strengthen bonds with family and community, and understand the multicultural roots of this vibrant festival. By participating in traditions, sharing with others, and reflecting on its history, students can embody the true spirit of Thanksgiving not just on one day, but year-round. Whether enjoying a meal, volunteering, or creating a project, the lessons of togetherness and thankfulness make Thanksgiving a timeless celebration for all.
FAQs on Thanksgiving Day 2025: Meaning, History, Traditions and Student Guide
1. Why is Thanksgiving celebrated?
Thanksgiving is celebrated as a day for expressing gratitude and giving thanks for the harvest and blessings of the past year.
Key reasons include:
- Honoring successful harvests and abundance
- Gathering with family and friends to build unity
- Reflecting on cooperation among different cultures, especially during the first Thanksgiving between Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe
- Promoting kindness and generosity through volunteering and sharing
2. Is Thanksgiving on the 24th every year?
No, the date of Thanksgiving changes each year in the United States.
- Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November
- The specific calendar date varies, falling between November 23rd and November 29th
3. What is the real reason for Thanksgiving?
The real reason for Thanksgiving is to show gratitude for abundance and blessings, originally centered on a successful harvest.
Historically, it started as a harvest celebration shared by Pilgrims and Native Americans, symbolizing cooperation and thankfulness.
4. What foods are traditionally eaten on Thanksgiving?
Traditional Thanksgiving foods include dishes that symbolize harvest and togetherness.
Common items are:
- Roast turkey (main dish)
- Pumpkin pie (traditional dessert)
- Cranberry sauce
- Stuffing
- Corn, beans, squash (known as the “Three Sisters” crops)
- Sweet potatoes, autumn vegetables
5. What is the history of Thanksgiving Day?
Thanksgiving Day began as a 17th-century harvest festival and evolved into a major holiday in North America.
- 1621: First Thanksgiving in Plymouth, Pilgrims and Wampanoag tribe celebrated together
- 1863: President Abraham Lincoln declared it a national holiday
- 1941: U.S. Congress officially set the date as the fourth Thursday in November
- Canadian Thanksgiving traces back to 1578, celebrating successful exploration and harvest
6. What is the significance of Thanksgiving Day?
Thanksgiving Day holds cultural, social, and historical significance by fostering gratitude, unity, and community spirit.
- Encourages expressions of thankfulness
- Strengthens family and community bonds
- Highlights historical cooperation and shared heritage
- Promotes kindness and generosity through acts of giving
7. Where is Thanksgiving Day celebrated?
Thanksgiving Day is mainly celebrated in the United States and Canada.
- United States: Observed on the fourth Thursday of November nationwide
- Canada: Celebrated on the second Monday of October
- Similar harvest festivals are recognized in other countries, like Liberia and the Philippines
8. What are the major traditions on Thanksgiving Day?
Major Thanksgiving traditions focus on gratitude, food, and community:
- Sharing a large meal, typically with roast turkey
- Watching Thanksgiving Day parades (like the Macy’s Parade)
- Viewing or playing football games
- Volunteering and charity work
- Making gratitude lists and sending messages of thanks
9. What is the controversy surrounding Thanksgiving?
The controversy about Thanksgiving centers around historical issues involving Native Americans:
- Criticism that the traditional story overlooks the impact of colonization and loss of Indigenous culture
- Some Native Americans observe Thanksgiving as a ‘National Day of Mourning’
- Ongoing discussions about more inclusive and accurate historical representation
10. What is the difference between Thanksgiving in the US and Canada?
The main differences between U.S. and Canadian Thanksgiving are the timing and historical origins:
- United States: Held on the fourth Thursday in November, rooted in the Pilgrim-Wampanoag harvest of 1621
- Canada: Celebrated on the second Monday in October, linked to early explorer Martin Frobisher (1578) and harvest traditions
- Both countries serve similar foods, but Canada emphasizes harvest themes earlier in the autumn
11. What is the meaning of Thanksgiving Day in English?
Thanksgiving Day in English refers to a holiday dedicated to giving thanks for harvest and life’s blessings.
It is observed through feasting, gratitude, and coming together with family or friends, especially in North America.
12. Who were the Pilgrims and what was their role in Thanksgiving?
The Pilgrims were early European settlers who established Plymouth Colony in 1620.
Their role in Thanksgiving includes:
- Organizing the first widely recognized Thanksgiving feast in 1621 with the Wampanoag tribe
- Celebrating a successful harvest and survival in the New World
- Setting the tradition of gratitude and unity during this holiday
