Thanksgiving
You have probably heard of Thanksgiving before. Did you know that is it also called T-Day or Turkey Day? It is celebrated on the last Thursday in November in the US and on the second Monday of October in Canada. To some people it is more important than Christmas. Millions of huge turkeys are sold and airlines are busy getting all family and friends to their destinations. But what’s behind this festivity? What is celebrated on this day?
In 1620, a group of pilgrims left England and sailed across the Atlantic Ocean. They arrived in North America during a very hard winter. It was a difficult time, and many of them died. In spring, they planted seeds that they brought from England, and the Native Americans showed them how to grow corn and catch fish and other animals. At the end of the first summer, the pilgrims had enough food for the second winter. They celebrated together with the Native Americans to give thanks for the harvest of corn, fruit and vegetables.
Today people celebrate Thanksgiving with a big meal. A turkey is the main dish and these birds are humongous. They weigh between 8 and 16 kg with no problem, so it takes almost a whole day to cook them. Then there is the stuffing which is a side dish cooked inside the turkey. Cranberries, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans and rolls are served as well. After all the yummy heavy food, pumpkin pie is served… if there is enough room left.
Since many people enjoy a long weekend, the Friday after Thanksgiving is the busiest shopping day in the USA. This Friday is called Black Friday and the beginning of Christmas shopping season.
I am looking forward to our bird next week 