Ode to Thanksgiving
To our national birds
The American Eagle
The Thanksgiving Turkey
May one give us peace in all our states
And the other a piece for all our plates
What did the Pilgrims eat on Thanksgiving?
It is commonly believed that the first actual celebration of the harvest and blessings from God took place in Plymouth in 1621. The festivities lasted three days and included feasting, entertainment, and competitions. For more about the holiday’s history!
Who Doesn’t Love a Parade?
The first annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade took place in 1924. That first year, it was known as the Macy’s Christmas Parade. It was created to launch the holiday shopping season. Today, the parade is attended by an estimated three million people each year. Approximately 44 million people around the country watch the parade on television.
Other large parades which commemorate the holiday are the IKEA Thanksgiving Parade in Philly, McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade in Chicago, and the UBS Parade Spectacular in Stamford.
Find holiday-themed wallpaper or screensavers here!
Want some holiday music to enhance your gathering? Get free, fast downloads of 30+ songs.
“If you want to turn your life around, try thankfulness.” …. Gerald Good
Thanksgiving Around the World
Thanksgiving is essentially a harvest related festival. It celebrates communal harmony.
Canada celebrates Thanksgiving on the second Monday in the month of October.
India also has a number of harvest related festivals in different regions.
Other Thanksgiving traditions around the world.
Money-saving tips for Thanksgiving–something we would all be thankful for!
1. Have a BYOD (bring your own dish) celebration. Asking your guests to contribute to the meal is a great way to save on expenses–and on your own cooking time.
2. Keep it simple. Cut down on the number of side dishes you have. A festive table doesn’t have to be extravagant.
3. Serve boxed wine or large bottles of soda. Cans and individual bottles are far more expensive.
4. Use natural items for decorations–leaves, fruit, squash, gourds, pumpkins, and dried flowers from your garden. A large candle and colorful fruit make a lovely centerpiece. Visit a dollar store for inexpensive holiday items.
5. Check store ads for sales and coupons before you shop for Thanksgiving Day goodies.
6. If time and your schedule allow, bake it yourself. Baking all your pies at one time will also save energy costs.
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