The American Thanksgiving holiday began as a feast of thanksgiving in the early days of the American colonies almost four hundred years ago. After the United States became an independent country, Congress recommended one yearly day of thanksgiving for the whole nation to celebrate. There are many ways to celebrate and express thanks at Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Day is traditionally a day for families and friends to get together for a special meal. The meal often includes a turkey, stuffing, potatoes, cranberry sauce, gravy, pumpkin pie, and vegetables. Thanksgiving Day is a time for many people to give thanks for what they have. Even in difficult times, there are always things for which to be grateful.
Thanksgiving Day parades are held in some cities and towns on or around Thanksgiving Day. Some parades or festivities also mark the opening of the Christmas shopping season. Some people have a four-day weekend so it is a popular time for trips and to visit family and friends.
Most government offices, businesses, schools, and other organizations are closed on Thanksgiving Day. Many offices and businesses allow staff to have a four-day weekend so these offices and businesses are also closed on the Friday after Thanksgiving Day. Public transit systems do not usually operate on their regular timetables.
Thanksgiving Day, it is one of the busiest periods for travel in the USA. This can cause congestion and overcrowding. Seasonal parades and busy football games can cause disruption to local traffic.
Some companies have adopted the practice of sending Thanksgiving Cards to express their gratitude to their customers and business associates. Thanksgiving cards may not have been part of history when the tradition first began but they do convey the original sentiment behind the holiday.