Thanksgiving is among the most treasured holidays in the United States. You would be wondering why it is always celebrated on a Thursday, or whether or not it’s an officially recognized federal holiday. Here is a deep dive to discover some intriguing facts about this holiday.
Why is Thanksgiving celebrated on a Thursday?
The habit of observing a Thanksgiving celebration on a Thursday can be traced back to colonial times. Early settlers often did thanksgiving on weekdays, giving thanks for harvests and blessings. People felt Thursdays made sense because it gave them more time to prepare for Sunday which is a Sabbath.
By 1863, the last Thursday in November was declared as a national day of thanksgiving by President Abraham Lincoln during the civil war with the hope that such a measure might restore a sense of unity to a country torn by a civil war.
In 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a measure officially designating Thanksgiving as the fourth Thursday of November.
Is Thanksgiving a federal holiday?
Yes, Thanksgiving is a federal holiday in the United States. This means:
- Federal offices and most government services are closed.
- Federal employees are given a paid day off.
- Schools, banks, and many businesses also close or operate with limited hours.
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management includes Thanksgiving in its list of federal holidays, giving it the same status as other major holidays like Christmas and Independence Day.
What services are open and closed on Thanksgiving?
Understanding what is open or closed on Thanksgiving can help you plan your day. Here is a quick breakdown:
- Mail delivery: The U.S. Postal Service does not deliver regular mail on Thanksgiving. However, urgent or critical packages may still be delivered by private carriers like FedEx and UPS.
- Banks: Most banks are closed on Thanksgiving, but ATMs and digital banking services remain accessible.
- Trash pickup: Residential trash collection services generally pause on Thanksgiving Day, resuming the following day.
- Schools: Public schools, colleges, and universities typically close for Thanksgiving and often give students a break that spans several days.
Why do retailers and stores adjust their hours?
Thanksgiving marks the unofficial start of the holiday season, so many retailers modify their hours. Some stores remain closed to give employees time with their families, while others operate with reduced hours to accommodate last-minute shoppers. Major chains like Walmart, Aldi, and Target are often closed on Thanksgiving, reopening for Black Friday sales the following day.
The cultural importance of Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is not just about food and football. It is a time to reflect on gratitude and spend quality moments with loved ones. The Thursday celebration allows for a long weekend, making it easier for families to travel and come together.
