Most of us have a variety of wonderful reasons to give thanks this year. Family, friends, a place to rest our head and food to fill us are just a few examples. Sharing the day with loved ones is what makes the holiday special for many of us. Interestingly, Thanksgiving was not established as a national holiday until 1863, at the height of the Civil War. President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation that year, making it official, asking everyone to come together as a country. Starting 36 years before this, in 1827, writer Sarah Josepha Hale, author of “Mary Had a Little Lamb” launched an editorial campaign in an effort to establish Thanksgiving as a holiday. During those 36 years, Ms. Hale wrote numerous letters to senators, governors and presidents, all in the hope of making Thanksgiving a national holiday. Our current Thanksgiving holiday date, the last Thursday in November, was established in 1939 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. This was done to encourage retail sales during the Great Depression.
Traditions are created to commemorate the uniqueness of the holiday. Modern Thanksgiving traditions include turkey, pumpkin pie, parades and football! More traditional symbols include the cornucopia brimming with fall harvest and Pilgrims gathering with Native Americans. Many families choose to create their own Thanksgiving traditions. This may be tofu instead of turkey, helping those less fortunate or a special holiday craft created by the children in the family. However you choose to celebrate Thanksgiving, remember the effort and history that went into establishing the holiday.
From all of us at Kramer Tree Specialists, we wish everyone a happy holiday filled with your own special traditions.
Leave a comment with your unique Thanksgiving tradition!