Thanksgiving Day: How International Students Can Celebrate Thanksgiving?

Almost all the international students eagerly await for their first Thanksgiving Day, which is an excellent opportunity to explore the traditions and culture of the United States besides a range of foods. Thanksgiving is celebrated across the United States of America (USA) with great pomp on the fourth Thursday of November. It is even celebrated in countries such as the UK, Canada and Liberia. If you are an international student arrived in the USA and Canada for Fall intake, you shouldn't stick out like a sore thumb! Explore how international students can celebrate on Thanksgiving Day.

What Is Thanksgiving Day?

To explore the rich culture and traditions of any festival or occasion, it's suggested to start from the origin. Thanksgiving is all about displaying the gratitude for the end of the harvest season. The tradition started in 1621 when the first settlers also called as Pilgrims celebrated their first successful harvest in Plymouth, Massachusetts in the New World along with Native Americas, who helped them to survive.

When Is Thanksgiving Day?

Many countries have their own version of Thanksgiving Day. It is believed to be the secular holiday celebrated across the United States on the fourth Thursday of November. Canada celebrates the Thanksgiving Day on the second Monday in October. Liberia celebrates Thanksgiving on the first Thursday of November.

President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving Day as a Federal holiday in 1863. He said, "Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens."

Visit Friend's House

Most of the Americas invite friends for Thanksgiving dinner. Accept the invitation without any hesitation. Taking part in the Thanksgiving dinner will make you familiar with the American's culture, tradition and a wide range of foods.

Explore On-Campus Event

If you feel like staying on-campus during Thanksgiving, look out for any on-campus events. Most of the American Universities and schools celebrate Thanksgiving by hosting a dinner along with other activities such as talent shows, concerts and basketball tournaments. This is a perfect platform for international students to interact.

Thanksgiving Day Parade

Parades are the best places to chill-out. If you are staying nearby New York, attend the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, which is believed to be one of the world's largest parades and the second-oldest Thanksgiving parade in the USA. Apart from New York, other cities also host Thanksgiving Day parades. Checkout!

Thanksgiving is a perfect day to relax and chill-out with your loved ones besides enjoying a good meal. Not interested in Thanksgiving! Relax for a couple of days because breaks are the hardest for international students in the majority of the American colleges.