Thanksgiving is a traditional day that will be celebrated on November 24 this year, meaning it’s less than a week away. This day is also important because it kicks off the holiday season in the United States and rest of the world.

Brief History

For British people, it’s a warm-up for Yuletide period, not like Americans who give it as much importance as Christmas. This is the time when friends and family get together and enjoy thanksgiving food that is specially prepared for this day.

This day dates back to 1621 celebration at the Plymouth Plantation, when English religious refugees called Pilgrims invited Native Americans for a feast after a successful harvesting season. Year before was a disaster as half of the pilgrims died of starvation due to failed harvest.

Why Turkey Is Synonymous With Thanksgiving Dinner?

Back in 1921, Pilgrim named Edward Winslow mentioned a turkey hunt in his letter for this dinner. According to another story, Queen Elizabeth l was having dinner when a news  came that Spanish ships who were coming to attack them had sank. This made her so happy that she ordered to serve her another goose. Some other source say this is due to that fact wild turkeys were commonly found in North America and it became a natural choice for the early settlers.

Other specialties that are prepared on this day include different types of stuffing and pies.

Kicks off Shopping Spree

Thanksgiving Day is also popular among retailers and online buyers as holiday season sales kicks off. Stores offer biggest sales and discounts that are not seem whole year and shoppers make sure they have all the savings to spend at this time.