Although many cultures give thanks for things like a successful harvest, the United States and Canada have made it a formal holiday. In Canada it is always celebrated on the second Monday in October, and in the US it’s always the fourth Thursday in November. It is traditionally a time when family and friends gather for a huge meal, that often includes turkey with stuffing, sweet potatoes, and cranberries in various forms. Pumpkin pie is often the dessert. It is not an occasion for gift giving, although if you are going to someone else’s home for the celebration a gift for your host is a good idea.

Thanksgiving is considered the beginning of the “holiday season” that continues through New Year’s Day on January first. The day after Thanksgiving is known as “Black Friday” when stores try to lure in customers with huge sales on items for holiday gift-giving. (This year many stores will be open on Thanksgiving, but most places are closed that day.)

Thanksgiving has been an official holiday in the United States since 1863.

For more information about Thanksgiving, go to http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/us/thanksgiving-day.