Thanksgiving 2018: When is it, how do Americans celebrate it and why is there a turkey dinner?

Thanksgiving is about as American as pumpkin pie, and like with most things U-S of A, the tradition has made its way across the pond.

Whether you're an American expat or just fancy some premature turkey before Christmas, Thanksgiving is the perfect opportunity to catch up with loved ones.

But, as it turns out, there is a whole lot of history behind the day before Black Friday. Here's everything you need to know:

When is Thanksgiving?

This year, Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 23. It always falls on the fourth Thursday in November.

What is Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving is what traditionally kicks off the holiday season in the US. It wasn’t an official holiday until President Franklin D. Roosevelt made it so in 1939 and was approved by Congress in 1941.

It's actually a bigger holiday in the UK as, being a secular holiday, more people celebrate it.

Why do people celebrate Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving can be traced back to 1621 where refugees from England, known as Pilgrims, invited the local Native Americans to a harvest feast after they experienced a successful season of produce growth.

The first Thanksgiving did not include turkey, but rather a three-day feast of goose, lobster, cod and deer.

Why do Americans eat turkey on Thanksgiving?

Americans eat over 50 million turkeys at Thanksgiving and while there are multiple claims as to why turkeys are used, the most likely would be because turkeys are native to North America and would have been an easy choice for the early settlers.

However, one lucky turkey is given the Presidential pardon each year. This year, Donald Trump will pardon his first turkey.

What else do people generally eat on Thanksgiving?

Turkey, stuffing and pies – pumpkin, pecan, apple and sweet potato are the traditional desserts.

Why is American football relevant to Thanksgiving?

In 1934, the University of Detroit hosted the first Thanksgiving Day football game between Detroit Lions and the Chicago Bears.

The game became the first-ever network broadcast event in the US and was so popular that a Thanksgiving Day football game continues today – and Detroit has played every year since.

Do Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving?

Whilst Canada also celebrates Thanksgiving, there are some distinct differences.

Firstly, in Canada Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday of October.

The Canadian Thanksgiving is also associated with Europe as festivals of thanks took place throughout the continent in October.

Do Brits celebrate Thanksgiving?

While it is not a national holiday, Brits have Harvest Day which is the equivalent but it not as widely recognised or celebrated.