An International Student’s Guide to Thanksgiving in the USA

Ask any American what their favorite holiday is, and nine times out of 10 they’ll tell you that it’s Thanksgiving. At the very least, they’ll admit that it’s the best day of the year for food 😉 But this holiday means more than just all the treats you get to eat — it’s a time for gratitude, celebration, and community.  

If you’ve just moved to the USA and want to understand more about why Thanksgiving is so important to the country, then keep reading. Together we’ll explore the origins of the holiday, how it’s celebrated and how Kaplan’s US English schools take part in the festivities. 

What is Thanksgiving? 

But first off: what is Thanksgiving? Thanksgiving is a national holiday celebrated every year in the United States on the fourth Thursday of November. It’s a day where people come together and reflect on what they’re thankful for, spend time with loved ones, and enjoy a huge meal. The holiday began as a way to commemorate the first harvest in America, but today, it’s much more about family, fun, and food! 

The origins of Thanksgiving 

Thanksgiving dates back to 1621, when the Pilgrims (a group of settlers from England), celebrated their first successful harvest. They invited the Wampanoag Native Americans to join the feast as a gesture of gratitude for their help in growing crops and surviving the harsh conditions. The event lasted three days and included lots of food, games, and camaraderie. 

Fast forward to 1863, President Abraham Lincoln made Thanksgiving an official holiday during the American Civil War, hoping to unite the country. Since then, it has become an annual tradition! 

How do Americans celebrate Thanksgiving today? 

In modern times, Thanksgiving is all about togetherness, food, and festive feelings. This is what a typical day celebrating looks like: 

Family gatherings: families travel from far and wide to celebrate together. It’s one of the busiest travel times of the year! 

The feast: the main event! A typical Thanksgiving meal includes: 

• Turkey (usually roasted or baked) 

• Stuffing (a flavorful mixture of bread, herbs, and spices) 

• Mashed potatoes with gravy 

• Green bean casserole 

• Cranberry sauce 

• Pumpkin pie (a sweet dessert made with pumpkin and spices) or other sweet pies such as pecan and apple

Parades and sports: the main source of entertainment is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on TV, featuring giant balloons, marching bands, and celebrity performances. Sports fans enjoy watching American football games, another Thanksgiving tradition. 

Giving back: lots of people volunteer or donate to help those in need, ensuring everyone has a meal to enjoy. 

How do Kaplan schools celebrate Thanksgiving? 

Thanksgiving is a big deal at our English schools in the US! Here’s how you might celebrate if you study with us: 

• Special dinners: some schools may organize Thanksgiving-themed meals, potlucks or tastings where students can enjoy traditional dishes. It’s a great way to experience American culture through food! 

• Festive crafts: some group activities may include Thanksgiving themed crafts and decorations such as colorful handprint turkeys (where you draw a turkey from your handprint!) or gratitude trees, where you write down things you are thankful for  

• Thankfulness activities: class discussions and writing activities encourage students to practice their English by sharing what they’re thankful for 

• Bank holiday: Thanksgiving is a bank holiday, so please note USA schools will be closed on this day 

It’s always fun to see how the holiday brings people together, even in a classroom setting! Want to see how Kaplan schools are celebrating this year? Follow us on Instagram here!

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Thanksgiving glossary 

Here are some Thanksgiving-related words you can use with friends and locals to help you sound like a pro: 

• Pilgrims: early settlers who celebrated the first Thanksgiving in America 

• Harvest: the process of gathering crops from fields 

• Gratitude: the feeling of being thankful 

• Stuffing: a savory mixture of bread and seasonings, often served with turkey 

• Pumpkin Pie: a traditional Thanksgiving dessert made with pumpkin and spices 

• Feast: a large and special meal, often for a celebration 

• Turkey: the main dish of most Thanksgiving meals, a large bird roasted or baked 

Why you should celebrate Thanksgiving with Kaplan! 

Thanksgiving teaches us the value of gratitude and community. Whether it’s sharing a meal, making crafts, or simply saying thank you, it’s a holiday that everyone can enjoy — and it’s a great time to practice your English skills in a relaxed and supportive environment. 

Experience Thanksgiving for yourself! Book yourself an English course at one of our schools in Los Angeles, New York, Santa Barbara, Chicago or Boston today: Learn English in the USA | Kaplan International 

You’ll be thankful for the opportunity 😉