Thanksgiving is one of the most cherished holidays in the United States, bringing families and communities together to share a meal, express gratitude, and reflect on the blessings of the year. Celebrated annually on the fourth Thursday of November, this holiday is steeped in history and rich traditions that vary across the country, including unique customs in Texas.

The History of Thanksgiving
The origins of Thanksgiving trace back to the early 17th century. In 1621, the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people shared a three-day feast in Plymouth, Massachusetts, to celebrate the Pilgrims’ first successful harvest in the New World. While the event is often romanticized as a moment of harmony, it also reflects the complex and often fraught relationship between Native Americans and European settlers.

In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday, to be celebrated on the last Thursday of November. His goal was to foster unity during the Civil War by encouraging Americans to reflect on their blessings. Later, President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved the holiday to the fourth Thursday of November to extend the holiday shopping season, a decision that cemented the modern Thanksgiving calendar.

Traditional Customs
Thanksgiving is synonymous with family gatherings and a hearty feast. The traditional meal includes roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Many families also enjoy regional dishes, from cornbread dressing in the South to wild rice casserole in the Midwest.

Parades are another hallmark of the holiday. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, first held in 1924, features elaborate floats, marching bands, and giant balloons, drawing millions of spectators in person and on TV.

Football is a Thanksgiving staple, with professional and college games scheduled throughout the day. The Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions have become synonymous with Thanksgiving football, with both teams hosting annual games that attract fans nationwide.

Thanksgiving in Texas
In Texas, Thanksgiving takes on its own unique flavor. Many Texans incorporate barbecue into their holiday meal, with brisket, ribs, and sausage joining the turkey on the table. Tex-Mex dishes like tamales, enchiladas, and queso also make frequent appearances, reflecting the state’s rich cultural heritage.

Football reigns supreme in Texas, where the holiday weekend features not only NFL games but also high school football playoffs, drawing passionate crowds to stadiums across the state.

Community events are another highlight. In Houston, the H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade is a beloved tradition, featuring floats, performers, and live music. Meanwhile, smaller towns often host community feasts, bringing neighbors together to celebrate.

Gratitude and Giving Back
At its core, Thanksgiving is a time to express gratitude and give back to those in need. Across the country, including Texas, many people volunteer at soup kitchens or donate to food banks, ensuring everyone can enjoy a warm meal. Organizations like the Central Texas Food Bank and the Houston Food Bank see an outpouring of support during the holiday season.

Some families also adopt personal traditions, such as going around the table to share what they’re thankful for or writing notes of gratitude to loved ones.

Reflecting on Thanksgiving Today
While Thanksgiving remains a cherished holiday, it has also become a time to acknowledge the complicated history surrounding its origins. Many Native American communities observe the day as a National Day of Mourning, honoring their ancestors and highlighting the impact of colonization.

For most Americans, Thanksgiving is a day to celebrate family, friends, and the resilience of the human spirit. Whether you’re enjoying a classic turkey dinner, savoring tamales in Texas, or cheering on your favorite football team, Thanksgiving is a reminder to pause and appreciate the good in our lives.

This year, as you gather around the table, take a moment to reflect on the traditions that bring us together and the shared stories that make this holiday so special.