Thanksgiving, a holiday with roots in healing a divided nation, is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States. In 2024, Thanksgiving will fall on Thursday, November 28. Since 1941, the holiday has been observed on this specific day, meaning the date shifts each year, ranging from November 23 to November 29.
Traditionally, Thanksgiving is celebrated with feasts, football games, and parades that mark the beginning of the winter holiday season. The following day, Black Friday, kicks off the holiday shopping season with major sales and discounts. Each year, Thanksgiving and Black Friday draw significant attention as people prepare for festive celebrations and shopping opportunities.
History of Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving has deep historical roots in American culture, tracing back to the early European settlers in North America. The holiday is often linked to the Pilgrims' 1621 feast with Native Americans to celebrate a successful harvest, though their true first thanksgiving was in 1623, when they gave thanks for rain that ended a drought. Early thanksgivings were church services rather than feasts, and by the mid-1600s, harvest celebrations became more common.
In 1789, President George Washington declared the first national Thanksgiving Day, but it wasn’t until 1863, during the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed it a national holiday to be celebrated annually on the fourth Thursday of November. While Thanksgiving is a time of gratitude and unity for many, some Native American groups see it as a reminder of the destruction of indigenous cultures following European settlement. Since 1970, they have observed a National Day of Mourning with an annual protest at Plymouth Rock.
Top Activities for Thanksgiving in Michigan
Thanksgiving is more than just a meal—it's a time to come together, reflect on the year, and create lasting memories with loved ones. Whether you’re continuing long-standing traditions or looking for new ways to celebrate, there are plenty of ways to make this Thanksgiving special.
Here are some of the most meaningful and fun activities to consider this holiday season:
1. Family Celebration: Thanksgiving Day is a day for people in the US to give thanks for what they have. Families and friends get together for a meal, which traditionally includes a roast turkey, stuffing, potatoes, vegetables, cranberry sauce, gravy, and pumpkin pie.
2. Express Gratitude and Give Back: Reflect on the blessings in your life through prayers, meaningful conversations, or thoughtful moments around the table, and extend your gratitude by volunteering at a local charity, food bank, or homeless shelter to support those in need during the holiday season.
3. Kick-Off Thanksgiving with Football Fun: Make football part of your Thanksgiving tradition by attending a live game and soaking in the electric atmosphere of the stadium. If attending isn’t an option, gather your loved ones for a backyard football game or watch the NFL Thanksgiving matchups together at home. Whether playing or cheering, it’s a fun way to bond and add excitement to the holiday!
4. America’s Thanksgiving Parade in Downtown Detroit: Celebrate Thanksgiving in metro Detroit with America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, marching down Woodward Avenue on Thursday, November 28, 2024. The parade starts at 8:45 a.m. at Kirby and Woodward in Midtown and ends at Woodward and Congress downtown around 10:15 a.m.
Thanksgiving Safety Tips
Thanksgiving is a time for celebration, but it’s also important to prioritize safety during the holiday. Here are key tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving for you and your loved ones:
1. Traffic and Car Accidents: Thanksgiving is a busy travel time, so be cautious on the road. Plan your route ahead, check traffic reports, and consider traveling during off-peak hours. Always drive defensively, stay alert for distracted drivers, and never drive under the influence.
2. Keeping Safe at Thanksgiving Events: At Thanksgiving events, keep your belongings secure and stay aware of your surroundings. Follow event guidelines, watch over children and elderly family members, and designate meeting spots. Have an emergency plan and ensure everyone knows how to contact emergency services.
3. Cooking Safety: The kitchen is one of the most dangerous areas during Thanksgiving. Never leave cooking food unattended, especially when frying or roasting. Use a timer to remind yourself when food is done.
4. Slips, Trips, and Falls: With guests moving in and out of the kitchen, make sure there are no cluttered areas or wet floors that could cause someone to trip. Keep pathways clear and ensure that rugs or mats are non-slip.
5. Electrical Safety: Be cautious with electrical appliances. Check that cords are in good condition and free of damage. Avoid overloading circuits or extension cords, as this can cause overheating. Unplug appliances when not in use, and don’t run cords under rugs or furniture. For outdoor lights, use cords rated for outdoor use and connect them to GFCI-protected outlets.
6. Virus and Illness Safety: Wash hands regularly, especially before meals, and use hand sanitizer when needed. If you're sick, stay home to protect others. Disinfect high-touch surfaces like doorknobs and countertops. At crowded events, consider wearing a mask and maintain social distance to reduce the spread of germs.
Don’t let safety slip through the cracks this Thanksgiving. Take action to protect yourself and your loved ones from common holiday risks. Share these essential tips with someone who needs to hear them—let’s make this holiday safer for everyone!
If your insurance company has denied, delayed, or underpaid your insurance claim, contact Law Office of Rabih Hamawi for a case evaluation at (248) 905-1133 or www.hamawilaw.com.
Who is Rabih Hamawi?
Attorney & Counselor
Rabih Hamawi is a principal at the Law Office of Rabih Hamawi, P.C. and focuses his practice on representing policyholders in fire, property damage, and insurance-coverage disputes against insurance companies and in errors-and-omissions cases against insurance agents. He may be reached at (248) 905-1133.