Thanksgiving, the holiday that is always celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November, is probably one of the most important holidays in the U.S. First created by Abraham Lincoln in 1863, the 16th President claimed that it should be a national holiday held annually. Many people look forward to this holiday the second the leaves turn a different shade of orange and yellow. There are many wonderful traditions that come with Thanksgiving and here are just a few. 

Let’s start off with what everybody loves: the food. The food is to die for. It’s probably one of the best meals you’re gonna have all year. The turkey is the main dish and comes with a lot of delicious sides like stuffing, yams, mashed potatoes, gravy, carrots, green beans, cornbread, etc. The list could go on and on. There are always leftovers that last at least a week and it’s fun to split the wishbone, even if you don’t get the bigger half. 

After eating, everyone pushes back from the table in a tryptophan daze, slowly making their way over to the couch for some Thanksgiving football. Everyone is watching and yelling at the TV for at least an hour until they fall asleep for a quick nap. After everyone is done napping the pumpkin, apple, pecan, chocolate and other pies are finally passed around. Of course, not everyone takes a nap, some people watch parades, play games or even go on a walk with their family. 

But eating food and watching football isn’t the only thing this holiday is about. It’s about giving back to the community, helping where you can and making someone else’s life a little bit better. Many people volunteer around this time of year. They lend a helping hand at soup kitchens, churches, grocery shopping, donating clothes, donating food, etc. It’s a time where people help each other. 

Thanksgiving is the only holiday where people aren’t wrapped around gifts. It’s a time where people say thank you to their loved ones, neighbors, friends, guests, etc. People say grace around the table right before they eat. It’s a time where people recognize what they have in their lives and are grateful.