10 interesting Facts About Thanksgiving for Kids
Thanksgiving is more than just turkey and pumpkin pie—it is filled with history, gratitude, and quirky traditions! Whether you’re a curious kid or a curious kid at heart, these 10 Thanksgiving facts are sure to surprise and delight. You’ll learn about the origins of the holiday, unique customs, and even some fun jokes to share at the dinner table. Get ready to wow your family with these Thanksgiving fun facts!
1. The First Thanksgiving Was a Feast Between Friends
When we think of Thanksgiving, we often picture Pilgrims and Native Americans sitting together for a big meal. The first Thanksgiving, celebrated in 1621 by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe, was a three-day harvest feast. Instead of turkey, they likely ate venison (deer), fish, and seasonal crops like corn and squash.
2. Thanksgiving Became a National Holiday Thanks to a Determined Woman
Did you know that Thanksgiving wasn’t always a national holiday? Sarah Josepha Hale, a writer and magazine editor, spent 17 years campaigning for recognition for Thanksgiving. She wrote letters to five presidents, and Abraham Lincoln declared it a holiday in i863 during the Civil War.
3. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Started in 1924
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a must-watch for families across the United States. It began in 1924 and featured live animals from Central Park Zoo instead of the gigantic helium balloons we see today. The first parade had no Thanksgiving floats—it was a Christmas-themed celebration!
4. Turkey Wasn’t Always the Star of the Show
While turkey is the centrepiece of most Thanksgiving dinners today, it wasn’t always the main meal. Early Thanksgiving might have featured goose, duck, or even seafood. Turkey became a tradition later, likely due to its size, which makes it perfect for feeding a large family.
5. Thanksgiving Inspired the TV Dinner
Here’s aa fantasticfood fact! The TV dinner was invented in 1953 by the Swanson company. After Thanksgiving, they had a surplus of 260 tons of turkey, so they packaged it with some sides in aluminium trays, creating the first frozen dinner.
6. Cranberries Were Used for More Than Sauce
Early settlers learned about cranberries from Native Americans, who used the berries not only for food but also to dye cloth and as medicine. Next time you have cranberry sauce, you’ll know it’s got a colourful history!
7. The Wishbone Tradition Comes From Ancient Rome
Have you ever competed with someone to break the turkey’s wishbone? This fun tradition actually traces back to ancient Rome. Romans believed that their version of the wishbone could bring good luck. Today, families pull the wishbone apart to see who gets to make a wish.
8. Americans Eat a LOT of Food on Thanksgiving
On Thanksgiving Day, Americans consume about 46 million turkeys and eat enough stuffing to fill the Empire State Building—twice! Don’t forget the pies! Pumpkin pie is the classic, but apple, pecan, and sweet potato pies are favourites.
9. Thanksgiving Used to Be“”Turkey TV Day” for Football Fans
Football on Thanksgiving has a long history dating back to 1876, when Yale and Princeton played the first Thanksgiving football game. The NFL made it an annual tradition in 1934, and now the day is lovingly referred to as“”Turkey TV Day” by football-loving families.
10. The Turkey Pardon Is a Quirky Presidential Tradition
Every year, the President of the United States pardons one lucky turkey, sparing it from being served on someone’s Thanksgiving plate. The tradition officially started in 1989 with President George H.W. Bush and has become a lighthearted moment in White House history.
Bonus Fun! Thanksgiving Jokes for Kids
Want to bring some giggles to the dinner table? Try these Thanksgiving-themed jokes on your family!
- Why did the turkey bring a microphone to dinner?
Because it wanted to give a drumstick performance!
- What’s a turkey’s favourite dessert?
Peach gobbler!
- Why didn’t the cranberry sauce join the Thanksgiving band?
Because it couldn’t find its jam!
A Quick Peek at Thanksgiving Through History
Thanksgiving has been celebrated for a long time, but its meaning has evolved. Historically, it was all about giving thanks for a successful harvest. Today, it’s about expressing gratitude for family, friends, and life’s blessings. Whatever you celebrate, Thanksgiving is always a time to come together and reflect.
Celebrate Thanksgiving Your Way
Thanksgiving may have a long history, but it’s also about making your own traditions. Whetheryou’ree decorating the table, playing football in the yard, or sharing what you’re thankful for, don’t forget to add a sprinkle of fun (and maybe a joke or two) to the festivities.
