Thanksgiving is a special holiday that Americans have celebrated for centuries. We all know the story of the Pilgrims and the Native Americans sharing a meal in peace, but there’s so much more to learn about this holiday than that. As parents, it’s important to educate our kids about the history and traditions of Thanksgiving. In this blog post, we’ll be sharing some fun Thanksgiving facts for kids that you can share with your little ones around the dinner table.
The First Thanksgiving Wasn’t Actually Called Thanksgiving
Contrary to popular belief, the first feast that the Pilgrims and Wampanoag Indians shared wasn’t called Thanksgiving. It was simply a celebratory meal that lasted for three days in the fall of 1621. Thanksgiving, as we know it, became an official holiday in 1863.
Americans Eat A LOT of Turkey on Thanksgiving
It’s no secret that turkey is the star of the show on Thanksgiving. In fact, the National Turkey Federation estimates that 46 million turkeys are consumed on Thanksgiving each year. That’s a lot of bird!
The First Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Featured Live Animals
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been a beloved tradition since 1924. However, the first parade was a little different than the one we know today. It featured live animals from the Central Park Zoo instead of giant balloons.
Football is a Big Part of Thanksgiving
For many families, watching football on Thanksgiving is just as important as eating turkey. The NFL has been playing games on Thanksgiving Day since 1920, and it’s now become a tradition for many families to tune in and watch the games together.
The Presidential Pardoning of the Turkey Has Been a Tradition Since 1947
Every year, the President of the United States pardons a turkey, sparing it from being served for Thanksgiving dinner. This tradition began in 1947 with President Truman and has continued ever since.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is a wonderful opportunity to spend time with family, express gratitude, and share delicious food. But it’s also a chance to learn and teach your children about the history and traditions of this special holiday. By sharing these fun facts with your kids, you can help keep the magic of Thanksgiving alive for generations to come. Additionally,Troomi, parents can set screen time limits and restrict access to distracting or inappropriate content, allowing kids to engage in meaningful conversations and activities that enhance their understanding of this cherished holiday.
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