Thanksgiving is a time to come together with friends and family to enjoy good food and even better company. It’s also a time to stop and be reminded of all that there is to be thankful for. I want to share with you just why Thanksgiving is so important in America as well as 7 things you can do to make sure that you have the best Thanksgiving ever.

The Thanksgiving tradition can be traced back to the 1621 celebration at Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts. The holiday commemorates the harvest feast shared by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Native Americans. This first Thanksgiving lasted three days and featured feasting, games, and even a time to thank God for their many blessings. In 1863, it was President Abraham Lincoln who declared the last Thursday in November to be a day of remembrance and thankfulness in America. The early Thanksgivings were quite different from the modern holiday, but they all shared a common purpose: to give thanks for the blessings of the year.

Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family and friends, enjoy a delicious meal, and reflect on all that we are thankful for. It is a day to remember our history and our traditions, and to give thanks for the many blessing in our lives.

This year, why not take part in the festivities and make this year the best Thanksgiving break ever?

Here are 7 ways to do just that!

1. Take part in the traditions

One of the most common Thanksgiving traditions is to share a turkey dinner - but that’s not all! Another popular tradition is to take part of the day to volunteer at a local non-profit. Many families choose to spend Thanksgiving Day volunteering at a local soup kitchen or helping to decorate their neighborhood for Christmas. Whatever traditions families choose to observe, Thanksgiving is a time to come together and celebrate all that we are thankful for. Every family does it a little different, so step out and learn some new traditions!

2. Try some traditional Thanksgiving food

One of the great things about a Thanksgiving meal is that there is food for everyone - lots of veg and non-veg options. While the menu may vary from household to household, there are certain dishes that are synonymous with the holiday. Roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie are just a few of the classics that come to mind. So this Thanksgiving, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Your taste buds will be thankful!

3. Celebrate with your American friend

Thanksgiving is a uniquely American holiday, and for many international students, it can be a chance to step out of their comfort zone and experience something new. One of the saddest realities to me is that most international students never step foot in an American’s home. One of the best ways to do this is to visit an American friend’s home for Thanksgiving dinner. This gives you a chance to not only enjoy a delicious meal, but also to learn about American traditions and culture. Be open-minded about the food. Traditional Thanksgiving dishes like turkey and pumpkin pie can be unfamiliar, but it’s all part of the fun. Take the opportunity to chat with your hosts and learn about their family traditions. Spending Thanksgiving with an American friend is a great way to make new memories and create a meaningful connection with a new culture.

4. Watch some American football

Football is an important part of Thanksgiving traditions. Every year on Thanksgiving Day, family and friends gather together to watch the big game. Watching football is a fun and festive way to spend the holiday. By celebrating and watching with an American friends, you’ll better understand this important aspect of American culture and enjoy one of the most fun and festive days of the year.

5. Watch the Macy’s Day Parade

For many Americans, watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is an essential part of the holiday. The parade features floats, marching bands, and larger-than-life balloons, and it’s a fun way to get into the Thanksgiving spirit. It’s a great way to learn about American culture. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss!

6. Travel to a new place

With a classes not in session, this is the perfect opportunity to travel and explore some new places. You might be thinking of traveling to some of the best destinations like New York City, Boston, or Niagara Falls. And if you can do that - it’s going to be awesome! Nothing beats the North East in the Fall. I’d also encourage you to explore the city you are in - what are some of the best spots in town that you haven’t had a chance to visit yet?

7. Shop for Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals

Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving, and it’s when many stores offer their biggest discounts of the year. That means it’s not only the perfect time to start your holiday shopping, but to get everything that you need as a student.

Of course, Black Friday can be a bit of a circus in stores, but there are plenty of amazing deals happening online. This is why I put together a list of the top deals for students this Black Friday! Check out the amazing deals!

Best Deals for Students

Thanksgiving is more than just a day off from school or work, it’s a time to come together with friends and family, eat delicious food, and be thankful for all that we have. By following these seven tips, you can make sure that you have the best Thanksgiving ever. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start celebrating! And if you’re looking for some great Black Friday or Cyber Monday deals, be sure to check out our new video for the best deals for students.