Thanksgiving
Photo: B137, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Thanksgiving is a national holiday celebrated mainly in several countries of North America, most notably in the United States and Canada. The holiday is observed on the fourth Thursday of November in the US and on the second Monday of October in Canada. While not as flashy as Halloween or as elaborate as Christmas, Thanksgiving has a number of traditions that can be enjoyable, rewarding, and occasionally stressful. Relevant for travellers, Thanksgiving in the United States is one of the biggest human migrations every year.
UnderstandGenerally speaking, the theme of Thanksgiving is one of reflection and gratitude, though in modern times the holiday has become commercialized as well.
Get inThe days before and after Thanksgiving are extremely busy travel times., this is the busiest travel time of the year.
Get aroundThe majority of people fly or drive to their relatives' or friends' houses to celebrate the holiday. The majority of travel during Thanksgiving itself may be spent going to and from activities.
See
Do
BuySpending for Thanksgiving is usually for food and related accessories (napkins, plates, glasses), drinks and travel.
EatThanksgiving meals tend to be big feasts that celebrate the bounty of the land.
DrinkMany families do not drink alcohol while others do, so if you are invited to a Thanksgiving meal and are not sure whether it would be appropriate to bring wine, ask the host.
SleepMost people sleep at home on Thanksgiving, or at their out-of-town host's place if they are invited to do so.
CopeOvereating and intoxication can be the biggest challenges most people experience during Thanksgiving, so it can be very helpful to strategize in advance how to avoid these pitfalls in order to enjoy the holiday more…
Stay safeMotorists driving under the influence of alcohol can present a real danger during Thanksgiving. Be sure to use extra caution when crossing streets and while in a parking lot. Don't drive under the influence yourself.
Subsequent holidaysWhile Thanksgiving is not as big a holiday as Halloween, Christmas, or New Year's Eve, a variety of special days have sprung up around it to make Thanksgivingtide a week-long celebration in the United States.
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Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Thanksgiving" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: B137, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons