In 1621, the Pilgrims celebrated the first Thanksgiving. After having arrived in the New World in 1620, they endured many hardships. Yet, with the help of Native Americans, they were able to complete a successful harvest the following fall. To commemorate this occasion and give thanks for their good fortune, they had a weeklong celebration that included meals, song and dance, games, and sporting events. Because Native Americans had been instrumental in helping them survive, the Pilgrims invited them to their Thanksgiving celebration.

Although Thanksgiving has been reduced to one day, it is still a very important holiday. Thanksgiving Day occurs on the fourth Thursday of each November. Family, friends, and loved ones come together to give thanks for their blessings. A large meal that includes turkey, stuffing, potatoes, corn, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie is the cornerstone of most Thanksgiving celebrations.

Thanksgiving day is also known for its parades. There are many parades, but one Thanksgiving parade – the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – is no doubt one of the most spectacular parades of its kind. Macy’s department store has been hosting this parade in New York City since 1924. The very first parade was called the “Macy’s Christmas Day Parade” even though it was held on Thanksgiving Day. Three years later in 1927 it was given a name more befitting of the occasion – “The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.”

The first year of the parade was more like a walking circus with its camels, goats, elephants, and donkeys. Horses pulled the floats as the caravan meandered 5.5 miles from 145th Street and Convent Avenue to 34th Street and Herald Square. In 1925 and 1926, parade organizers added bears, lions, and tigers to the menagerie of animals. Not unsurprisingly these animals scared the children and were no longer used. However, the parade ceased to use all live animals beginning in 1927, the year Macy’s introduced its now famous giant helium balloons that were made into the likeness of many cartoon characters. Because of World War II, the parade was not held from 1942 – 1944, but continued after this difficult time to march through its first snowstorm in 1989.

Over the years, the parade has seen many changes but one thing remains the same: it delights the hearts and stirs the imaginations of young and old alike.
Watching a parade is just one way to spend Thanksgiving Day. For instance, some people use the holiday to take a much-needed vacation. Others spend the day preparing and serving Thanksgiving meals to those who are less fortunate. Yet, others either go to football games or watch them on television. Like turkey and parades, football is another mainstay in the Thanksgiving Day celebration.

For centuries Americans have celebrated Thanksgiving Day. It is an important day in the United States’ history. It is a way for family, friends, and loved ones to come together and count their blessings. It is also a day when people can have fun, relax, and enjoy.