Thanksgiving 2025: Date, Traditions, and Meaning
Thanksgiving in 2025 will be observed on Thursday, November 27. This holiday, which marks the beginning of America’s festive season, falls on the fourth Thursday of November each year.
Historical Origins
Thanksgiving dates back to 1621, when Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people shared a harvest feast in Plymouth, Massachusetts. The holiday evolved over the centuries, with President Abraham Lincoln declaring a national Thanksgiving Day in 1863 to promote unity during the Civil War.
Official Date Established
The date was standardized by Congress in 1941 to always be the fourth Thursday of November, ensuring a consistent nationwide celebration (Mount Vernon).
Customs and Traditions
More than a date on the calendar, Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, gathering with loved ones, and creating lasting memories. It is celebrated by millions of Americans from diverse backgrounds.
- Central to Thanksgiving is the meal, traditionally featuring roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and pies.
- Families like the Waits in Tyler, Texas, maintain the spirit of the holiday beyond just the feast.
“Thanksgiving is a ritual of gathering, sharing, and remembering.”
It remains one of the most treasured family occasions in the United States, emphasizing togetherness and gratitude.
Author’s Summary
Thanksgiving 2025 continues a long tradition of gratitude, family gatherings, and shared meals, uniting Americans across generations and backgrounds.