Thanksgiving

While the holiday in the United States is associate with the pilgrims, it comes from a North American tradition of having a holiday after the harvest season to give thanks.

In what would be come the Untied State in 1621 the pilgrims had a feast with the Wampanoags, the native people of the area, the local tribe had helped the setters with their harvest. This is unofficial considered the first Thanksgiving.
The first official Thanksgiving in the Untied States was November 26, 1789. It was declared a national holiday by President George Washington. It was not an annual holiday until President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed it to be one in 1863.

The holiday in Canada dates back to the explore Martin Frobishe. In 1578 he held a ceremony to give thanks for a successful journey.
The Canadian official Thanksgiving was not official holiday until 1957, at which time it was declared to be a national holiday of thanks by the Canadian Parliament.

Thanksgiving today is often celebrated by families and friends gathering and having a large meal. Often this meal includes turkey and may include foods such as cranberries, sweet potatoes, and pies.
Many American foot ball games are played on this day and are often included in part of celebration.

-KLD