Thanksgiving is a national holiday celebrated in the United States with family and friends gathering around the table and enjoying a meal. The holiday holds a deep meaning for American history as it represents the first Thanksgiving that Pilgrims and American Indians came together and celebrated in cooperation. What exactly is Thanksgiving? Wikipedia probably explains it the best with the definition of “a day of giving thanks for the blessing of the harvest and of the preceding year.”

Many families across the nation have their own traditions to celebrate Thanksgiving, but for most of us, we share in the celebration with some staples that include turkey, football, and parades. It’s also the perfect holiday to catch up with family members and spend time with extended family that you don’t always get to see. Some use this time to relive family stories from the past and remember family members who are no longer with them.

Another popular Thanksgiving tradition for some is to begin their holiday shopping. Whether it is planning out their Black Friday shopping trip or to begin shopping online. Now that many stores are opening on Thanksgiving, it also gives shoppers the opportunity after their own celebrations to begin shopping.

Whatever you do for Thanksgiving, make sure to give thanks for everything and everyone that you have in your life. Spend time with family and friends and enjoy great food, discussions and laughs. These are memories that you will cherish the rest of your life.