Why is Thanksgiving on the 28th in 2024
Thanksgiving is one of the most cherished holidays in the United States, bringing together family, friends, and loved ones to share gratitude, food, and camaraderie. However, one detail often sparks curiosity each year—why does the date of Thanksgiving change? For 2024, Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, 28 November. But what determines this date, and why isn’t it fixed like other holidays, such as Christmas?
This blog dives into the history of Thanksgiving’s date and the significance of its placement in 2024 and offers some festive quotes, messages, and greetings to help you prepare for this year’s holiday.
Why is Thanksgiving on the 28th in 2024?
To understand why Thanksgiving falls on different dates every year, we need to look back at the history of this beloved holiday. Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November , which was established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1941. This standardization followed years of variation in Thanksgiving observance, which is traditionally proclaimed annually by individual states.
Here’s how it works:
- For Thanksgiving to be consistent, it’s tied to the fourth Thursday of November.
- This shifting date ensures the celebration always falls between 22 November and November 28th, depending on the calendar.
For 2024, the fourth Thursday happens to occur on 28 November. This occurs because 1 November 2024 falls on a Friday, placing all Thursdays slightly later in the month compared to years where November starts on a Monday or Tuesday.
Fun fact: The latest possible date for Thanksgiving is 28 November, which makes 2024 one of those rare years when we celebrate on the final possible Thursday.
Thanksgiving 2024 in USA Time
Thanksgiving 2024 will follow typical holiday observances in the U.S., beginning at midnight on 28 November and running through the day. For most Americans, Thanksgiving Day marks the following activities:
- A morning Thanksgiving Day parade hosted in many cities (and broadcast on TV, such as the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade).
- Traditional family dinners start in the late afternoon or evening.
Given America’s varied time zones—from Eastern to Pacific—Thanksgiving traditions may start earlier or later, depending on where you live. For example:
- Eastern Standard Time (EST) will see events beginning earlier, such as 9 AM for parades.
- Pacific Standard Time (PST), three hours behind EST, will see similar activities kick off at 6 AM.
No matter where you are, the day offers a chance to pause tnd fully engage in gratitude, a theme that transcends time zones.
Thanksgiving 2024 in USA Date
Mark your calendars—Thanksgiving Day celebrations begin on Thursday, 28 November 2024. For your travel or meal planning, Friday, 29 November 2024, is Black Friday. Many families extend the Thanksgiving spirit through the weekend with shopping sales, leftovers, and continued gatherings.
Counted by tradition, this Thursday holiday also signals the unofficial start to the holiday season. Christmas decorations, tunes, and advertisements often debut when Thanksgiving meals are wrapped up.
Happy Thanksgiving Day 2024 Quotes
Looking for inspiration to set the tone for your Thanksgiving celebrations? Here are some meaningful quotes to include in your conversations, social media posts, or even your Thanksgiving cards:
- “Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more.” – Melody Beattie
- “Thanksgiving is a joyous invitation to shower the world with love and gratitude.” – Amy Leigh Mercree
- “Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more.” – Oprah Winfrey
- “Thanksgiving Day is a reminder that we’ve all been blessed beyond measure.” – Unknown
- “Not every year had a perfect harvest, but each year gave us the perfect reason to be grateful.” – Anonymous
These quotes capture the essence of Thanksgiving and can enhance your celebration.
Happy Thanksgiving Day 2024 Messages
Whether you’re sending warm wishes to friends or family near and far, these messages will help spread the cheer this Thanksgiving:
- “Wishing you a warm and joyful Thanksgiving 2024! May your table be full of food, and your heart full of gratitude.”
- “Happy Thanksgiving! I’m thankful for you and all the joy you bring to my life!”
- “This Thanksgiving, may your home be blessed with laughter, love, and delicious food. Here’s to making memories this season!”
- “Grateful hearts, full bellies, and cherished moments. That’s what Thanksgiving is all about. Happy Thanksgiving 2024!”
- “Thankful for wonderful people like you—wishing you a happy and blessed Thanksgiving!”
Thanksgiving is more than a meal; it’s a time to connect with those who matter most and share kind words and gratitude.
Happy Thanksgiving Day 2024 Greetings
If you’re looking for simple yet heartfelt greetings to share either online or in person, these ideas are perfect for sending warm vibes:
- “Happy Thanksgiving Day! May your blessings be larger than the turkey on your table this year.”
- “Here’s to a fantastic Thanksgiving filled with love, family, and amazing pies!”
- “Wishing you a harvest of blessings this Thanksgiving!”
- “Grateful for people like you this Turkey Day. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!”
- “Sending you warm Thanksgiving hugs and all the pumpkin pie you could imagine!”
Whether through a text, social media, or handwritten note, these greetings will surely make someone smile.
Make Thanksgiving 2024 a Day to Remember
Thanksgiving, landing on28 Novemberh 2024 offers a rare treat—celebrating the holiday on the latest possible date of the month! Take advantage of this remarkable timing to fully immerse yourself in gratitude, family, and communal love. With festive greetings, thoughtful messages, and meaningful quotes, you can make Thanksgiving even more memorable for those you care about.
If you’re planning for Thanksgiving 2024, start early. Whether it’s finalizing family plans, finding the perfect quotes for your Thanksgiving cards, or preparing your feast, the fourth Thursday of November will be here before you know it!