Thanksgiving will occur on its second-latest possible date this year, landing on November 27, 2024. This places the holiday just one day before its latest possible date, which will be November 28, 2024. As families begin to plan their holiday celebrations, the later date may feel distant, especially for those eager to gather for this annual occasion.
The date of Thanksgiving is not fixed, unlike holidays such as Christmas. It varies each year, falling on the fourth Thursday of November. The earliest Thanksgiving can fall is November 22, a date that last occurred in 2018 and will not return until 2029.
History of Thanksgiving’s Changing Dates
The history of Thanksgiving dates back to 1789, when President George Washington issued the first proclamation for a “Day of Publick Thanksgiving.” That year, it was celebrated on November 26. Over the next several decades, Thanksgiving dates varied significantly, with proclamations issued by various presidents. For instance, President James Madison proclaimed Thanksgiving on September 9, 1813, and again on March 16, 1815.
In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln formalized Thanksgiving as the last Thursday in November, a tradition that continued for nearly seventy years. There was a brief deviation in 1865 when President Andrew Johnson reportedly forgot to issue a proclamation, leading to Thanksgiving being celebrated on the first Thursday of December.
The consistency of Thanksgiving’s date was disrupted in 1939 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved the holiday to the second-to-last Thursday of November, concerned that a late Thanksgiving would shorten the Christmas shopping season during the Great Depression. While 32 states adopted the change, 16 remained steadfast in celebrating on the last Thursday, leading to a divided observance.
Finally, in 1941, Congress established Thanksgiving as the fourth Thursday in November, a decision that remains in effect today. Next year, Thanksgiving will be celebrated slightly earlier on November 26.
Thanksgiving Today
In addition to its rich history, Thanksgiving has become a significant cultural event in the United States. The holiday is marked by family gatherings, feasting, and various traditions, including the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This year, as individuals prepare for the holiday, some may find themselves reflecting on the historical significance of this day and its evolving date.
As November approaches, many families will likely start planning their Thanksgiving dinners, enjoying everything from traditional turkey to seasonal desserts. With the holiday falling later this year, there is still time for preparations and celebrations to take shape.
