Thanksgiving Traditions Around the World: How Cultures Celebrate Gratitude

Thanksgiving is a special time when families and friends get together to say thank you for all the good things in their lives. In the United States, we celebrate Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday in November with yummy food and lots of fun! But did you know that kids in other countries have their own special ways to celebrate gratitude? Let’s take a journey around the world and discover how different cultures say, “thank you!”

Thanksgiving in America

In America, Thanksgiving began a long time ago, back in 1621. The Pilgrims, who were some of the first people to live in America, had a big feast with the Wampanoag people, who were the Native Americans living there. They shared a meal to celebrate a good harvest. Today, many families eat turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie together.

But it’s also important to remember that this holiday means different things to different people. Some Native American communities remember this day as a time when they lost their land and way of life. Learning about this history helps us be respectful and grateful for everyone’s stories.

How Other Countries Celebrate Gratitude

Now, let’s explore how kids in other countries celebrate gratitude!

1. Canada: In Canada, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday in October. Families gather to eat turkey and give thanks for the harvest. Many people enjoy the beautiful colors of the fall leaves and spend time outdoors!
   
2. Japan: In Japan, there’s a holiday called Kinrō Kansha no Hi, which means Labor Thanksgiving Day. It’s celebrated on November 23rd. On this day, people say thank you for all the hard work and the food we have. Families spend time together, and kids have fun activities at school!
   
3. Germany: In Germany, people celebrate Erntedankfest, or the Harvest Festival. This happens in September or October. Everyone gives thanks for the food from the fields. People have fun parades and special church services filled with fruits, vegetables, and flowers!
   
4. Mexico: In Mexico, they don’t have a Thanksgiving like in America. But they do celebrate Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) on November 1st and 2nd. This is a time to remember loved ones who have passed away. Families build altars with pictures, food, and flowers to honor their memories.
   
5. India: In India, the harvest festival called Pongal is celebrated in January. People say thank you for the rice and crops they grow. Families prepare a special dish called Pongal and decorate their homes with bright colors, singing and dancing together!

A Fun Activity: Gratitude Tree

Let’s make a Gratitude Tree to celebrate all the things we’re thankful for!

What You Need:

• Brown paper (for the trunk) *Optional*
• Colorful paper (for the leaves)
• Scissors
• Tape or glue
• Markers or crayons

How to Make It:

1. Cut out a tree trunk from the brown paper and tape it to the wall.
2. Cut out leaf shapes from the colorful paper.
3. Write something you’re thankful for on each leaf, like family, friends, or your favorite toys.
4. Decorate the leaves with drawings or stickers!
5. Stick the leaves onto the tree to make it beautiful.

Learn More!

• Check out PBS LearningMedia to learn about cultural traditions.
• Visit travel websites or local museums to see how people around the world celebrate their special days.

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time for all of us to think about what we are thankful for and to learn about how different cultures celebrate. Whether it’s through feasting with family, festivals with friends, or remembering loved ones, saying thank you brings us all together. Happy Thanksgiving!