This time last year we were in a small town just outside Boston celebrating Thanksgiving with our American friends. It was Rich’s first Thanksgiving and Calum’s second. We ate too much food and probably drunk a bit too much but it was a wonderful day, and we wish we could back again this year. Thanksgiving is a great American tradition and it is something we miss out on in the UK.
What is all about anyway?
We’ve probably all seen thanksgiving celebrated on American tv shows or in movies, Friends particularly comes to mind, but what it is and how is it celebrated?
Thanksgiving is the on the 4th Thursday of November. The Festival dates from 1621, when a group of pilgrims in New England shared a feast with the local native tribe that had helped them with their harvest. The holiday was officially recognised in 1863 by President Abraham Lincoln and the date finally settled on by President Franklin D Roosevelt.
The secular nature means that more Americans celebrate Thanksgiving than any other holiday. It is time for family and friends to come together to celebrate. Although plenty of shops sell cards and decorations it is nowhere near as commercial as Christmas. The main event is the meal, Roast Turkey with all the trimmings, followed by pumpkin pie.
Other features of thanksgiving include the annual Macy’s Parade in New York City, (American) football games and the black friday sales.
Can we celebrate in the UK?
Closer to home we have tended to celebrate harvest festival, we hosted a harvest dinner earlier this year. Having said that there is nothing to stop you, and it seems more and more Brits are embracing the holiday as this recent article in the Waitrose Weekend suggests. We love the celebration so this is something we can get completely on board with.
Happy Thanksgiving!
This year we look back fondly on our trip to last year. Not quiet as much excess this year; we are just having some pizza, beer and a slice of Calum’s Pumpkin pie. Whatever you are doing this Thanksgiving, we hope you have a great time and don’t eat too much!
