A Leaf Pile of Facts for Thanksgiving

As families enjoy Thanksgiving or get ready for the holiday, here are a few facts about this annual celebration. If you don’t celebrate Thanksgiving, no need to worry! It is always good to feel gratitude within us at all times. This holiday reminds everyone that we should be thankful for everything. Thanksgiving is not all about having a big feast — there is more to it than that!

I won’t be getting into the history of Thanksgiving, but for you to see Thanksgiving in a new light, here are 10 quick facts about this scrumptious holiday you’ll probably enjoy! 

10 Facts about Thanksgiving:

1. We all thought that Christmas and New Year’s time was the peak season of travel…but you are about to be blown out of your mind! It appears to be that Thanksgiving day is the biggest travel time of the entire year!
2. The first Thanksgiving was officially celebrated in 1621. All these traditions and customs are a beautiful part of this history.
3. Thanksgiving foods have not changed much over the last 400 years. Although our agricultural knowledge and technology have increased, many of our sweet treats, foods, and cultural traditions haven’t!
4. Have you ever heard the song “Jingle Bells!” before? If so, you probably have heard it at Christmas time, right? But Jingle Bells was actually supposed to be a Thanksgiving song! 
5. Do you know who is responsible for making Thanksgiving a national holiday? She is none other than Sarah Hale, known as the writer of the song “Mary had a Little Lamb.” Today she is officially dubbed as the “Mother of Thanksgiving.”
6. Did you know that most people travel to Florida–or to be more specific, Orlando, Florida–on Thanksgiving day? 
7. The first National Holiday for Thanksgiving was declared by the first president of the United States, George Washington.
8. The 2021 census has found that America’s second favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. Hmm, I think I know why!
9. Are you into racing and marathon running? It turns out that Thanksgiving Day is the most popular day in the U.S. for racing. Maybe it’s everyone wanting to burn all those calories from the food intake!
10. To end on a high note, Thanksgiving is all about family reunions and feeling grateful for everything we have. It is thought that people are happiest on Thanksgiving Day as it makes families closer and thus, happier. 

As Thanksgiving approaches, I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving and that you and your family share moments of happiness together.

Image Credit: Pixabay

Works Cited
Holidappy. November 21st, 2014. November 21st, 2021.10 Unique and Interesting Fun Facts About Thanksgiving
Bestlifeonline. November 21st, 2021. 30 Thanksgiving Facts to Share With Your Family
Housebeautiful. November 21st, 2021. 19 Thanksgiving Facts You’ll Want to Tell Everyone You Know