Thanksgiving 2024: Everything You Need to Know
Thanksgiving isn’t just about the food, even though that’s a big part of it. It’s about the moments that matter: time spent with family, re-watching old classics, and reflecting on the year’s blessings. So let’s take a look at what makes Thanksgiving 2024 and its surrounding traditions so unique, right from the U.S. through to Canada.
When is Thanksgiving 2024?
Thanksgiving in 2024 will fall on Thursday, November 28th. It falls on the 4th Thursday of November every year, following an American tradition established by law through the efforts of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who finally settled the date in 1941. Thanksgiving is associated with feasts, parades, football games, and family gatherings where everyone contemplates the blessings of the previous year.
Why is Thanksgiving Always on a Thursday?
Thanksgiving has been celebrated on a Thursday since George Washington’s 1789 proclamation, which called for the first national day of thanks to take place on Thursday, November 26. The Roosevelt Administration later standardized the weekday of Thanksgiving to the 4th Thursday of November. Thursday was a perfect middle-of-the-road day that allowed people to travel before the weekend yet kept work interruptions minimal.
Why is Thanksgiving So Late in 2024?
Thanksgiving 2024 feels “late” since November 1st falls on a Friday, shifting the 4th Thursday, which is Thanksgiving Day, to the furthest date possible: November 28. This happens every few years and cuts the holiday season between Thanksgiving and Christmas a little short.
- Shorter Holiday Shopping Period: For retailers, the race for holiday shoppers’ wallets has tightened.
- Travel Challenges: The holiday is very near to December, so airfare and accommodations might be competitive.
- A Cozier Season: You seem to have to make the most of every holiday moment when Thanksgiving falls late.
Top Thanksgiving Movies to Watch in 2024
Nothing puts the mood in place for Thanksgiving Day like a dramatic or funny film that resembles the concept of family, gratitude, and merriment. Here are some of the best Thanksgiving movies to enjoy in 2024:
1. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (1987)
Starring Steve Martin and John Candy as 2 mismatched travelers trying to arrive home in time for Thanksgiving. This classic comedy is full of laughs and touching moments, making it a must-watch for the holiday season.
2. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973)
There’s simplicity and charm on the Thanksgiving table with this animated movie night. Charlie Brown and his friends remind us, as a family, of the importance of gratitude.
3. Home for the Holidays (1995)
From director Jodie Foster, this bittersweet comedy-drama excavates chaos, love, and hilarity when a family reunites on Thanksgiving.
4. The Thanksgiving Promise (1986)
This tender Disney movie focuses on the story of a boy who promises to take care of an injured goose so that it will be ready for Thanksgiving. It is a tale of compassion and responsibility.
5. Pieces of April (2003)
Katie Holmes stars in this independent film gem about a young woman, her first time hosting Thanksgiving, navigating tensions between herself and her family.
Canadian Thanksgiving: A Unique Celebration
Was it ever brought to your attention that Canadian Thanksgiving is on a different day from its American counterpart?
When is Canadian Thanksgiving in 2024?
Canadian Thanksgiving occurs on Monday, October 14, 2024. In Canada, it always falls on the 2nd Monday of October every year to match the middle of the harvest season, aligning with European traditions for autumn festivals.
What Makes Canadian Thanksgiving Different?
- Historical Roots: The first Thanksgiving in Canada took place in 1578 when the English explorer Martin Frobisher reached the New World and held a feast of thanksgiving for his survival.
- No Black Friday: Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving without the ensuing retail mania that marks the day after the American holiday.
- Menu Variations: While there is still turkey, Canadian Thanksgiving dinners commonly include regional specialties such as tourtière-a kind of meat pie-or butter tarts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thanksgiving 2024
Will Thanksgiving ever land on the 30th?
Thanksgiving in the U.S. falls on the 4th Thursday of November. For it to fall on 30th November, the month must start on a Thursday. This will happen in 2034.
What are the next 10 Thanksgiving dates?
Next 10 Thanksgiving Dates (U.S.):
- 2024: November 28
- 2025: November 27
- 2026: November 26
- 2027: November 25
- 2028: November 23
- 2029: November 22
- 2030: November 28
- 2031: November 27
- 2032: November 25
- 2033: November 24
Next 10 Canadian Thanksgiving Dates:
- 2024: October 14
- 2025: October 13
- 2026: October 12
- 2027: October 11
- 2028: October 9
- 2029: October 8
- 2030: October 14
- 2031: October 13
- 2032: October 11
- 2033: October 10
What is the Sunday after Thanksgiving called?
National Secondhand Sunday invites sellers to come on board. The gamut of secondhand sellers runs from casual side hustlers wanting to pad their bank accounts to individuals who have turned reselling into a full-time job.
Which president refused to celebrate Thanksgiving?
Thomas Jefferson refused to celebrate Thanksgiving. He believed in the strict separation of church and state and considered Thanksgiving proclamations to be like a religious practice. Therefore, Jefferson refrained from issuing any Thanksgiving proclamations because he thought the practice of holidays was improper for governmental support.
Wherever or whenever it may be observed, Thanksgiving represents an act of gratitude and a time of joy. Take a moment this year to be thankful for life’s blessings, both great and small. Whether celebrating with family and friends or in quiet reflection, Thanksgiving 2024 offers a time to give thanks.
