Undertstanding Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is celebrated in the United States following the traditions of the first Pilgrims and Puritans at Plymouth (Massachusetts) who, legend has it, were thankful for a good harvest in 1621.

Historically, Thanksgiving has its roots in harvest festivals and days of religious worship, and Canadians celebrate a separate Thanksgiving also drawing upon these origins a little earlier in the year.

Today Thanksgiving has become a traditional time to get together with family or friends. The date is now regarded as a secular holiday to celebrate family.

Source - Telegraph UK

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faUYJ9fMiGg

WIKIHOW:

Celebrated annually in the United States on the fourth Thursday in November, the holiday of Thanksgiving was first observed in 1621 and continues to be an American tradition today. Thanksgiving means many things to different people but for most, the holiday of Thanksgiving is synonymous with festive meals, parades, football, family and friends, and, of course, turkey. For many, it's also about spending time together, catching up and enjoying one another's company. The Thanksgiving holiday is a reminder to give thanks for the good things, people and providential events in our lives. How to celebrate Thanksgiving :

the Traditional Meal. The traditional meal of roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, several types of vegetables such as sweet potatoes and squash,cranberry sauce, different pies, and a bread is fairly standard for most families and groups of celebrators. 

Making the table festive. The table decorations are done on Thanksgiving if one has a separate dining table available. Get the kids to help set the table as part of their contribution to the preparations.

Some traditional Thanksgiving holiday pursuits. These things are done before, during, or after the Thanksgiving meal. There are a few traditions associated with the Thanksgiving holiday that are enjoyed in many families, and here are a few things :

• Gather around the TV and watch football. Spending hours watching football on Thanksgiving is a holiday favorite for many fans, and it's a great way to pass time before the meal. Alternatively, organize a backyard football game with family, friends, and neighbors for fun and a little exercise to make way for the meal.

• Watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on TV with the kids. Broadcast on television from New York City, the parade is extremely popular and viewed by millions at home. Take a break and attend a local Thanksgiving parade if time permits, or watch it on television.

Spend a little time reflecting on the meaning of Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is a chance for many families to spend time together after being apart for much of the year; it is a good time to reflect on the love that you have for one another, as well as sharing your thoughts about what you feel grateful for. Think of your family's own ways to express your gratitude on this day and in the year to follow, or be guided by some of the following suggestions:

• Play the A to Z family gratitude game. Have everyone sit together so that they can hear and see one another. Going around the group of family and friends, have each person say what they're grateful for, according the whichever letter of the alphabet the player is up to. For example, player one says "I am grateful for Aunty Lorna", player two says "I am grateful for my brothers", and player three says "I am grateful for caring moms", etc. Keep going around the group until you've exhausted the alphabet. 

• You can also create a new Thanksgiving tradition.

Consider helping the less fortunate for Thanksgiving. Volunteer time before or during Thanksgiving to help prepare meals at a homeless shelter, donate extra cans and packaged goods to a soup kitchen, start a food or clothing drive, make a donation. This can be an essential part of teaching your children about gratitude in action.
Find activities to do after the meal. Everyone's likely to feel a little drowsy and well fed after the meal. It's a great opportunity to settle down to some relaxing activities:

• Walk as a family. Don't forget to take your dog for his usual walk too, especially if he's been getting snacks he'd normally not have.

• Entertain guests. Play charades, tell stories, share photos around, catch up on news, etc.

• Catch up on your reading. There is always something you've got on hold that you'd like to read; take this opportunity to do so.

• Watch a movie. Check out the TV guide for any suitable movies, or pull out your favorite DVDs.

• Play a board game. If the kids are still hyper, suggest that they make a board game and then play it!

Another link - http://kids.nationalgeographic.co.in/kids/stories/peopleplaces/thanksgiving-traditions/