Description:  Thanksgiving is a traditional American holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November.  It is a day Americans like to spend with their families, being thankful for all that they have, eating a big meal, and watching football on TV.  The holiday originated in the 1620's when a tribe of Native Americans rescued the Pilgrims who were trying to survive near Plymoth, MA. The pilgrims, who were from England, didn't know how to survive in the New England environment, and they almost all died of starvation and disease until the Indians gave them food and showed them some tricks about how to survive in this area.

Since Thanksgiving is always on a Thursday, schools and businesses usually give a five day weekend. The Wednesday before and the Sunday after Thanksgiving are two of the busiest travel days of the year.  The traditional Thanksgiving dinner consists of roast turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauuce,  mashed potatoes, sweet potatos, and pies (especially apple, pumpkin and pecan), although many families have their own traditions.

The day after Thanksgiving is called Black Friday, and it is the official start of the Christmas Shopping season. There are special sales at all the stores, which open early.