In the United States, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November. Thanksgiving is traditionally celebrated with a feast shared among friends and family. Thanksgiving is the time to be grateful for the good things in your life and to reflect on your life's blessings.

Thanksgiving, as we know it today, has come a long way from the Pilgrim's harvest festival in 1621.

The Pilgrims sailed to this country aboard the ship Mayflower. After their tremendously hazardous sea voyage, they set ground at Plymouth Rock on December 11, 1620. The first winter was harsh and full of shortages. Many colonists died. It is believed that the Pilgrims would not have made it through the first year without the help of Wampanoag Indians. The harvest of 1621 was a bountiful one. The Plymouth colonists and Indians shared the autumn harvest feast, as an expression of gratitude for winning their long battle for survival on American land and appreciation for the bounty of the autumn harvest.

In keeping with the Thanksgiving spirit of gratitude and appreciation for what we have been given, this is the time to be with your loved ones. Whether you are throwing a party to celebrate the anniversary of the Pilgrims' harvest or planning to attend a Thanksgiving Day parade with your friends, remember that the important thing is that family and friends are together. This is one of the most anticipated holidays. Family and friends pull together to share great food, great joy and laughter and count blessings in their lives.

Gratitude is the heart's memory. This beloved holiday is the perfect time to thank all the special people in your life. Enrich the lives of your loved ones, family and friends by sending them our gifts, along with your warm wishes and bright thoughts about your dear ones. Send them a heartfelt "Missing you so much!" and "You are always in my thoughts!" messages to make this season of thankfulness truly special.

Wishing you a celebration filled with joy and blessings.
USA Gift Online staff.