Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Day is the fourth Thursday in November, but many Americans take a day off on the following Friday to make a four-day weekend, during which they may travel to visit family and friends.

The holiday dates back to 1621, the year after the Puritans arrived in Massachusetts, determined to practice their religion without interference. After a rough winter, in which about half of them died, they turned for help to neighboring Indians, who taught them how to plant corn and other crops. The following year's harvest inspired the Pilgrims to give thanks by holding a feast. Thanksgiving is still celebrated every year on the fourth Thursday of November. It is usually a meal of turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, corn, mashed potatoes and other foods. Thanksgiving is a time for each person to think of what and who they are thankful for.