A Time to Give Thanks
Thanksgiving is a holiday celebrated in the United States every year on the fourth Thursday of November. It began in 1621, when the Pilgrims, who had come from England to start a new life, shared a feast with the Wampanoag Native Americans.
The Pilgrims were thankful for the help they received from the Wampanoag, who taught them how to grow food and survive in their new home. That first Thanksgiving was a way to celebrate a successful harvest and friendship.
Over time, Thanksgiving became a tradition in many parts of the country. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln made it a national holiday during the Civil War. He wanted people to take a day to be thankful, even during hard times.
Families began gathering together to share meals, and turkey became the most popular food served. Other common dishes included stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.
Today, Thanksgiving is a time for people to come together with family and friends. Many people watch parades and football games, and some help others by volunteering at food kitchens or by donating food. Thanksgiving reminds us to be grateful for what we have and to share kindness with others.
Fun fact
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City has been happening since 1924 and features giant balloons shaped like cartoon characters!
Thanksgiving in Ireland
While Thanksgiving isn’t part of Irish tradition, Ireland does have its own harvest celebration called Lughnasadh, which dates to ancient Celtic times. This festival is held in August to give thanks for a successful harvest and included feasting, games, and community gatherings. Though it’s not the same as Thanksgiving, it shares the spirit of gratitude and celebration.
KIDS IN THE KITCHEN
Smoked Gouda and Rosted Red Pepper Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
- Eight 1/3- to 1/2-inch-thick slices bread
- 4 ounces smoked gouda, very thinly sliced
- 4 slices muenster cheese (about 4 ounces)
- 1 medium jarred roasted red pepper, drained, dried and thinly sliced
- 2 cups baby arugula
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Directions
- Lay out 4 slices of the bread on a work surface. Layer each with some of the smoked gouda, 1 slice of the muenster, a thin layer of sliced red pepper (about 2 tablespoons), 1/2 cup of the baby arugula and another layer of smoked gouda. Close the sandwiches with the remaining bread. Thinly and evenly spread the butter on both sides of the bread using about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the butter for each sandwich.
- Place 2 sandwiches into a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook until the bread is evenly golden brown, about 2 minutes. Flip, cover again and cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is visibly melted, about 2 minutes more. Repeat with the remaining sandwiches.
Literature Corner
Those Shoes
By Maribeth Boelts
Learning the difference between needs and wants is a difficult lesson to learn for children and even adults. In the story, Those Shoes, Jeremy really wants a new pair of high-top sneakers like all his friends. Jeremy really needs a new pair of boots before winter arrives and that is all his grandmother can afford. Jeremy learns a lesson in selflessness and how to appreciate what he has. For ages 4-8, 40 pages.
White Bird
By R.J. Palacio
If you read Wonder, you will love White Bird! The character Julian from Wonder is assigned to write a report for school about his family history. He interviews his grandmother, who tells her story of growing up in France during World War II. She shares how she received lifesaving shelter from a boy she and her friends had not treated very nicely. This beautiful graphic novel inspires gratitude for friendship, forgiveness, and how to be a hero every day. For ages 10 and up, 224 pages.
Lardie’s Laughs
Q: Which side of the turkey has the most feathers?
A: The outside!
Q: Why did they let the turkey join the Thanksgiving band?
A: Because he had the drumsticks!
Gab in Gaelic
Happy Thanksgiving = Lá an Altaithe sona duit (pron. Law on Awl-tee-ha sun-ah ditch)
