President Abraham Lincoln established the national day of Thanksgiving in 1863 during the Civil War. Today, we celebrate Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November. This change from the last Thursday to the fourth Thursday involved several political battles and took years to accomplish. In most years, the fourth Thursday is also the last Thursday, except when November has five Thursdays.
Before Lincoln’s proclamation, American presidents like George Washington had declared days of thanksgiving but without a specific date. States had their own days of Thanksgiving, but the dates varied. Lincoln’s proclamation unified the nation with a specific date. President Franklin D. Roosevelt changed the date to the fourth Thursday in 1939 to stimulate the economy during the Great Depression. This change was met with objections because it disrupted travel plans and football rivalries.
After much political debate, Congress finally set the fourth Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day. Some states, like Texas, continued to observe the last Thursday of November until 1956. Today, Thanksgiving is one of the most celebrated holidays in America with traditions like feasting, family gatherings, football games, and the Macy’s Parade.
Many families invite friends to join their celebrations, making them an extended family for the day. Thanksgiving traditions often include football games, community fun runs, and charitable events like the Borodash in Murfreesboro. Food is a significant part of the holiday, with turkey being the highlight of the menu. Fried turkeys have become popular, and there are now innovative ways to cook them like using an infrared “oil-less” fryer.
While Thanksgiving is a time when overeating is common, it’s also an opportunity to make healthy food choices. It’s essential to remember the original intent of the holiday and express gratitude for the blessings we have, even in challenging times. Dr. Mark Kestner, a licensed chiropractic physician and acupuncturist, emphasizes the importance of giving thanks and enjoying Thanksgiving with your loved ones.
As you celebrate Thanksgiving this year, take a moment to reflect on the history and traditions of this holiday. Remember to express gratitude for all the blessings in your life and enjoy the time spent with family and friends. Wishing you a happy and memorable Thanksgiving Day!