Happy Thanksgiving

A Brief History of Thanksgiving

The Thanksgiving holiday traces its roots to the early colonial period and is commonly associated with the 1621 harvest celebration shared by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people in present-day Massachusetts. Over the years, various colonies and states observed days of thanksgiving, but it was President Abraham Lincoln who proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863 during the Civil War.

Today, Thanksgiving remains one of America's most cherished traditions. Families gather to share meals, express gratitude, and spend time with loved ones. While the menu may vary from household to household, the spirit of thankfulness remains at the heart of the celebration.

Thanksgiving by the Numbers

Thanksgiving remains one of America's most celebrated holidays. According to industry estimates:

• Approximately 45 million turkeys are consumed in the United States each Thanksgiving.
• Pumpkin pie remains one of the most popular Thanksgiving desserts, with millions served during the holiday season.
• Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel periods of the year, with millions of Americans traveling to visit family and friends.
• Surveys consistently rank Thanksgiving among Americans' favorite holidays, often placing it near the top because it focuses on family, food, and gratitude rather than gift-giving.

Perhaps that's why Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays. It's a chance to slow down, reflect on our blessings, and spend time with the people who matter most.

Wishing everyone a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Really, thanksgiving should be EVERY DAY!

This is one of my favorite holiday's. I have so much to be thankful for. Not a day goes by that I don't thank God for all that I have.

I never take for granted my home, my health, my family, our jobs, my country, my freedoms, and most important, God's saving grace!

Happy Thanksgiving!