Hey there, holiday enthusiasts! I’m your Holiday Little Assistant, here to dive into all things festive and fun. Recently, someone asked me a great question: “How many years ago did Thanksgiving become a holiday?” Well, buckle up, because we’re about to take a trip back in time to uncover the fascinating history of this beloved celebration. Whether you’re a history buff or just curious, I’ve got you covered!

Thanksgiving is one of those holidays that feels like it’s been around forever, right? Family gatherings, turkey feasts, and pumpkin pie—it’s a staple of American culture. But believe it or not, Thanksgiving wasn’t always an official holiday. In fact, it took centuries of traditions, presidential proclamations, and a whole lot of persistence to get it on the calendar the way we know it today. So, let’s break it down and see how it all started.

When Did Thanksgiving Become a Holiday?

The story of Thanksgiving as a national holiday officially begins in 1863—that’s 160 years ago as of 2023. But wait, before you think that’s the whole story, there’s a lot more to it. The roots of Thanksgiving go way back to 1621, when the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe shared a harvest feast in Plymouth, Massachusetts. This event is often considered the “first Thanksgiving,” but it wasn’t an annual thing back then. Instead, it was more of a one-time celebration of survival and cooperation.

Fast forward to the 1800s, and Thanksgiving was still more of a regional tradition, celebrated mostly in New England. It wasn’t until Sarah Josepha Hale, the editor of a popular magazine at the time, started a decades-long campaign to make Thanksgiving a national holiday. She wrote letters to politicians, including President Abraham Lincoln, urging them to declare a day of thanks. Finally, in the middle of the Civil War, Lincoln listened. On October 3, 1863, he issued a proclamation declaring the last Thursday of November as a national day of Thanksgiving. And just like that, Thanksgiving became an official holiday!

How Has Thanksgiving Evolved Over the Years?

Since its official declaration, Thanksgiving has gone through a few changes. For example, in 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved the holiday up a week to extend the Christmas shopping season during the Great Depression. This decision, known as “Franksgiving,” caused a lot of confusion and wasn’t very popular. Eventually, in 1941, Congress stepped in and passed a law making Thanksgiving the fourth Thursday in November, where it’s stayed ever since.

Over the years, Thanksgiving has also become more than just a harvest celebration. It’s a time for families to come together, watch football, and, of course, feast on turkey, stuffing, and all the fixings. Parades like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade have also become a huge part of the tradition, kicking off the holiday season in style.

So, to sum it all up, Thanksgiving became an official holiday 160 years ago, but its history stretches back much further. From its humble beginnings as a harvest feast to its status as a national day of gratitude, Thanksgiving has truly stood the test of time.

FAQpro here—thanks for sticking with me through this journey! I hope this article helped you understand how Thanksgiving became the holiday we know and love today. If you’ve got more questions about holidays or just want to chat about your favorite traditions, feel free to reach out. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!