What Is Thanksgiving (And Why It Still Matters Today)

Thanksgiving traces its roots back to 1621, when the Pilgrims at Plymouth Colony and the Wampanoag people came together for a three-day harvest celebration. It was a feast of gratitude, unity, and shared survival after a challenging year. Foods at that first gathering likely included venison, wild fowl, corn, and root vegetables—not the mashed potatoes and turkey we know today! The event symbolized cooperation and thankfulness, even across cultural lines. It’s also important to note that the spirit of giving thanks wasn’t unique to the Pilgrims. Native American tribes had long held harvest celebrations of gratitude for the earth’s abundance—traditions that continue to influence the holiday’s deeper meaning today.

How Thanksgiving Became a National Holiday

For more than two centuries, Thanksgiving was celebrated locally and informally—until one determined woman changed everything. Sarah Josepha Hale, an author and magazine editor (best known for writing “Mary Had a Little Lamb”), spent 17 years petitioning U.S. presidents to make Thanksgiving a national holiday. She believed that a shared day of gratitude could help unite a divided nation. In 1863, during the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln made it official. He proclaimed the last Thursday of November as a day of “Thanksgiving and Praise.” Then, in 1941, Congress permanently set the holiday on the fourth Thursday of November—giving Americans an extra-long weekend for food, family, and reflection.

What Thanksgiving Looks Like Today

Thanksgiving has evolved over the years, but its heart remains the same: gratitude and togetherness. Today, families gather around tables filled with traditional favorites—roast turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie—and share what they’re thankful for. Some modern highlights include:

• The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which began in 1924
• Annual NFL football games watched by millions
• The Presidential Turkey Pardon, made official in 1989
• Local “Turkey Trot” charity runs
• Community volunteer work and food drives

Fun fact: It’s estimated that 46 million turkeys are enjoyed across the U.S. every Thanksgiving!

The Deeper Meaning Behind Thanksgiving

Beyond the festivities and food, Thanksgiving carries a lasting message—gratitude is the foundation of growth and connection. It’s a reminder to slow down, appreciate what we have, and recognize the people who make our lives brighter. At AIOA, we encourage our students and families worldwide to carry this mindset throughout the year. Gratitude isn’t just a holiday—it’s a habit that strengthens empathy, optimism, and joy. So whether you’re celebrating with family, friends, or your AIOA community, may your Thanksgiving be filled with warmth, reflection, and thankfulness for all the blessings—big and small—that surround you.

AIOA’s Thanksgiving Message

At AIOA, we’re thankful for every student, parent, and educator who continues to make our community strong, kind, and inspired. This Thanksgiving, let’s celebrate not just with a feast, but with gratitude in our hearts and curiosity in our minds. Happy Thanksgiving from your AIOA family!