When is Thanksgiving 2020? Date of US holiday, traditional dinner recipes and meaning behind it

It the US, Thanksgiving is traditionally celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November, which falls on 26 November this year

This month, Americans will be celebrating what is arguably considered as one of the biggest holidays across the pond: Thanksgiving.

A major celebration in the US and Canada, it originated as a harvest festival and food still plays a big role these days.

With the onset of coronavirus, Thanksgiving will be slightly different for families this year with the traditional Macy’s parade replaced by a virtual event and households urged to take precautions to curb the spread of Covid-19.

Here’s what you need to know about the US holiday, how it is usually celebrated and the rules this year.

When is Thanksgiving this year?

It the US, Thanksgiving is traditionally celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November, which falls on 26 November in 2020.

Over in Canada, the holiday is marked on the second Monday of October. It was celebrated on 12 October this year.

Thanksgiving and similar festivals are also celebrated in other countries including Liberia, The Netherlands and some Caribbean islands, on various dates in autumn.

Whole baked chicken poultry on ceramic plate served with potatoes and young beetroot salad leaves over black concrete background with linen cloth. Dinner menu. (Photo by: Natasha Breen/REDA&CO/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
A traditional American Thanksgiving spread resembles a British Christmas dinner (Photo: Natasha Breen/REDA&CO/Universal Images Group via Getty)

Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a regular national day of thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November in 1863.

Since his proclamation the date has remained the same, apart from in 1940 and 1941, when President Franklin Roosevelt attempted to moved the celebration to the third Thursday of the month for commercial reasons.

In recent years, the day following Thanksgiving in the US has become Black Friday.

What is the history behind Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving’s origin story in the US is thought to date back to when the pilgrims settled in America in the 1600s – although there are different accounts of exactly when, where and how the event originated.

One story said it all began in 1621 in Plymouth – which is now Massachusetts – after pilgrims shared a harvest feast with the Native Americans who had helped them get by during their first winter.

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It is believed that a Native American called Squanto had taught the settlers skills including fishing and growing corn, at a time when they were struggling with tight rations.

These new found skills and the resulting good harvest helped them survive their first harsh winter and were the reasons the Pilgrims were originally grateful for. The resulting feast has since become known as Thanksgiving.

The day also has origins linked with English traditions in the Protestant Reformation. While it has some religious roots, it is now primarily a secular holiday.

Nowadays, Thanksgiving marks the start of what is known in America as the Holiday Season, which also includes Christmas.

What are the traditional recipes for Thanskgiving?

A traditional American Thanksgiving spread resembles a British Christmas dinner.

It usually includes a roast turkey with all the trimmings such as winter vegetables, potatoes, cornbread and an indulgent pumpkin or pecan pie.

This October 2017 photo taken in New York, shows a Thanksgiving spread with hot spinach and mushroom dip, turkey, cornbread stuffing and sauteed brussel sprouts. A meal like this can be cooked and readied to be enjoyed in multiple homes and connected via Zoom, or virtually, during this year's Thanksgiving holiday. (Sarah Crowder/Katie Workman via AP)
A Thanksgiving spread with hot spinach and mushroom dip, turkey, cornbread stuffing and sauteed brussel sprouts (Photo: Sarah Crowder/Katie Workman via AP)

Those who want to celebrate it at home can check BBC Good Food for inspiration. Among other things, you’ll find delicious recipes for a roast turkey with lemon and garlic as well as for a pumpkin pie.

Do bear in mind that, like any family feast, a traditional Thanksgiving dinner requires some time to prepare, so you may need to start cooking early and ask other household members to help.

If it all seems too overwhelming, Country Living has some great Thanksgiving menu ideas for vegans, vegetarians and beginners options for those organising a Thanksgiving dinner for the first time.

How is it celebrated and what are the Thanksgiving Covid rules this year?

Thanksgiving is a time when families and friends come together, share a meal and celebrate what they are thankful for in their lives.

Food forms a major part of the celebrations, with the whole family often getting together to help prepare the meal. In the US, the day is usually marked with a series of huge parades across the country, complete with colourful floats and performers in costumes.

Sadly, like many celebrations Thanksgiving is going to be different this year with the main parade going completely virtual. Families are also advised to follow Covid-19 safety guidelines and avoid large gathering.

The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released some guidance to minimise the spread of Covid-19 during Thanksgiving celebrations. Lower risks, recommended activities include:

  • Having a small dinner with only people who live in your household
  • Preparing traditional family recipes for family and neighbours, especially those at higher risk of severe illness from Covid-19, and delivering them in a way that doesn’t involve contact with others
  • Having a virtual dinner and sharing recipes with friends and family
  • Shopping online rather than in person on the day after Thanksgiving or the next Monday
  • Watching sports events, parades, and movies from home

Those with an increased risk of illness are advised to:

  • Avoid in-person gatherings with people who do not live in your household.
  • Avoid larger gatherings and consider attending activities that pose lower risk if you decide to attend an in-person gathering with people who do not live in your household.

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