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The original Thanksgiving feast was an annual celebration by English colonists to recognize the autumn harvest. In 1621, the Pilgrims gathered with the Native Americans, who taught them how to plant crops and hunt, for a three day feast. The assistance the Native Americans provided during the Pilgrims first cold, harsh winter was a key to their survival in the New World. The exact menu of the autumn harvest feast is unknown, but historians believe seafood and wild game were consumed as the main dishes, while seasonal vegetables were served as side dishes. To consume their food, the Pilgrims and Native Americans used spoons, knives and their fingers. If an item was too hot, they picked it up using a cloth napkin. Social standing determined who received the best portions of food; everyone else ate what was near them.
Originally, the colonists celebrated the autumn harvest feast in late September and the middle of October. It wasn't until 1863 that President Abraham Lincoln named Thanksgiving Day as the last Thursday in November. In 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt established Thanksgiving as a national holiday. -
While many countries around the world celebrate festivals of thanksgiving, the purpose and day vary. Canada observes Thanksgiving on the second Monday in October and the holiday holds much the same meaning as the United States. Great Britain celebrates Harvest Festival in September or October with special church services. The Chinese hold a Festival of the Autumn Moon. This celebration, held in the eighth month of the Chinese calendar, honors the Moon Goddess with moon cakes and colored lanterns. The fourth Thursday of November observes Thanksgiving in the United States. Friends and family gather to feast, celebrate good fortune and enjoy each other's company.
Consuming the Thanksgiving meal varies from family to family. While some gather for a lunch celebration, others arrive for Thanksgiving dinner. Still others prefer to enjoy a mid-afternoon feast. The time of a Thanksgiving meal is decided by the host. - The showstopper for any Thanksgiving meal is the turkey. They have long been associated as the main dish for this holiday celebration. However, several other main dishes can be substituted for turkey such as ham, seafood or steak. Accompanying the main dish are several side dishes. These often consist of a variety of vegetables. A few common Thanksgiving side dishes include sweet potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, green beans, corn and mashed potatoes. No Thanksgiving meal is complete without the desserts. Traditionally, a variety of pies are served after the meal such as apple pie, pumpkin pie, pecan pie or sweet potato pie.
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When planning for a Thanksgiving meal there are a few things to take into account. First, how many friends and family will attend the Thanksgiving celebration, and do you have enough space to comfortably accommodate everyone? Not everyone has to be seated at the main table, but everyone should have a place to sit and enjoy their meal. Make sure you have enough seats for your guests. Secondly, planning and preparing a Thanksgiving meal requires a lot of work. Know your kitchen expertise and don't try to over do it. It's okay to ask guests to bring a side dish or a dessert. This can be a tremendous help to the hostess.
A few other items to consider when planning for a Thanksgiving meal include table decorations, centerpieces and place settings. These are items that can be completed ahead of time so there is no need to rush on Thanksgiving Day. These do not need to be elaborate or expensive, but think of creative ways to use items you already have. Another consideration for the Thanksgiving meal is beverages. Wines and cocktails are usually served with Thanksgiving meals, but have a few non-alcoholic beverages on hand. A hot apple cider makes a nice accompaniment to any Thanksgiving meal. - The grocery store the day before Thanksgiving can be packed, and individuals run the risk of the store being sold out of a necessary item. Shop at off peak hours and purchase as many things as possible in advance. Fresh fruits and vegetables can's be bought too far in advance, but shopping for only a few things will save you time when it's needed the most. Prepare and prep as many food items the day before as possible. If side dishes can be prepared the day before, do it. When planning for a Thanksgiving meal, don't forget to thaw out the turkey if it's frozen. As a general rule of thumb, every five pounds of turkey requires 24 hours of refrigerator thaw time.
