The Canadian Thanksgiving makes an interesting counterpoint to the holiday celebrated by its southern neighbor. As mentioned earlier, the first North American thanksgiving event occurred in Newfoundland in 1578. In the 1600s, Samuel de Champlain and the French Settlers who came with him established an "Order of Good Cheer." This group would hold huge celebrations marking the harvests and other events, sharing... Read more >
Picture the traditional Thanksgiving dinner: a festive table, a loving family, glowing candles and the finest china used only on special occasions. And the centerpiece of the festive meal: the turkey, golden brown, with stuffing and gravy on the side, awaiting the carving knife and wetting the appetites of all those present. This scene, however, is not from history, but it emerges from a desire to remake history... Read more >
Though the history of a "thanksgiving day" can be traced back to 1789 when George Washington declared Thursday, November 26th as a day when "we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks . . ." there was no national agreement on a day for the event. Prior to that, from 1777 to 1783, Thanksgiving Day, by Congressional mandate, was celebrated in December.After a five-year break with no... Read more >
In the United States, aside from the Thanksgiving meal, we have come to celebrate Thanksgiving Day with parades, football, and the start of the Christmas shopping season.
Thanksgiving Day Parades
Thanksgiving Day Parades, though not specifically documented, probably got their start when President Lincoln proclaimed an official day of Thanksgiving. Given the Union achievements of the summer of 1863, it would have... Read more >
The history of Thanksgiving presents parents and teachers with a wonderful opportunity to explain the relevance of the Thanksgiving traditions in a contemporary context. In addition, an understanding of Thanksgiving history can explain the more universal human need to give thanks to a higher being for the good things in our lives.
Traditional Thanksgiving Themes
The story of Thanksgiving is a... Read more >
Want to impress your guests while you are entertaining this Thanksgiving? Are you looking for quick fix solutions to that harvest themed decorating dilemma? Are you determined your Thanksgiving decorations will be the best of the bunch? Of course! Enhance that painstakingly prepared Thanksgiving dinner with the perfect Thanksgiving decorations.
Creative Thanksgiving Centerpieces
Dare to be different this... Read more >
Most cooks have their favorite, method for cooking Thanksgiving turkey to perfection. Popular turkey recipes include: traditional turkey roast, pre-brined or deep fried turkey, and Cajun style turkey.
If you’re confused or overwhelmed, don't panic! Sticking to the traditional methods of either quick or slow roasting will ensure a lovely Thanksgiving dinner.
Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed with... Read more >
It's a dilemma many of us face after the splendor of a Thanksgiving meal: We've had our fill of turkey, gravy, potatoes, stuffing, green beans and cranberries, and, yet, we will most likely awaken to find our refrigerators filled with Thanksgiving leftovers. The age-old question prevails: What do you do with Thanksgiving leftovers?
Keeping Leftover Turkey
Turkey leftovers can actually be put to great use with... Read more >