Thanksgiving, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States, is a national holiday rooted in the country's early history. In 2025, it falls on November 27th. The holiday traces its origins to a harvest feast shared by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people in 1621. Today, it's a day for expressing gratitude, gathering with family and friends, and enjoying a traditional feast. The centerpiece of most Thanksgiving meals is roast turkey, often accompanied by stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Many families have their own unique traditions and dishes. The day often begins with parades, the most famous being the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Watching American football is another popular Thanksgiving activity, with several NFL games scheduled throughout the day. Many people use this time to volunteer at food banks or community meals, embodying the spirit of giving thanks and helping others. The day after Thanksgiving, known as Black Friday, marks the beginning of the Christmas shopping season with significant sales in many stores. While primarily an American holiday, Thanksgiving is also celebrated in Canada (on a different date) and has inspired similar harvest festivals in other countries.