The Benefits Of Gratitude On Thanksgiving: How To Celebrate The Holiday

Medically reviewed by April Justice, LICSW
Updated November 26, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team

Thanksgiving is an American holiday with a rich history. Thanksgiving Day has historically been celebrated nationwide by practicing gratitude for the good fortune in one’s life. On this day, families may sit down together to eat a large meal and look back on their year, reflecting on significant moments and the blessings they’ve received. However, everyone celebrates Thanksgiving differently, and some people choose not to celebrate due to the holiday’s complex past. This year, understanding the value of gratitude may be helpful as you approach Thanksgiving celebrations. 

A man in a hat smiles as he sits at a table outside on the grass with plates of food in front of him and a blonde baby sitting on his lap.
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The history of Thanksgiving and National Thanksgiving Day

In 2024, Thanksgiving falls on November 28th. Occurring on the fourth Thursday in November each year, Thanksgiving is a holiday that is thought to have originated in New England in the 1600s. During this time, people would gather and eat large meals together to give thanks for the blessings in their lives. While Thanksgiving was once considered a time of silence and personal reflection, the holiday became more popular after Plymouth colonists from England reportedly shared a feast with the Wampanoag Native American tribe in the area.

After the Plymouth feast, Americans in certain regions continued to celebrate Thanksgiving. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln officially declared Thanksgiving a national holiday. Thanksgiving is now celebrated to reflect on gratitude and the joys of life through celebrations and traditions, like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. However, the holiday is not celebrated by everyone. Many people choose not to observe Thanksgiving because of controversy surrounding its origins. 

The controversy behind the National Day of Thanksgiving

While the celebration between the colonists and the Wampanoag tribe in the early 1600s was friendly, some people and organizations believe it was meant to hide or minimize the violence that had been occurring between colonists and Indigenous peoples. This violence continued after the first Thanksgiving meal, contributing to a pattern of oppression of Indigenous communities that would persist for centuries. Many Indigenous families continue to be negatively impacted by anti-indigenous legislation, hate crimes, racism, and harmful stereotypes. 

Many people believe Thanksgiving was named a holiday in 1863 to improve the relationship between US states and Indigenous peoples, following a mass execution of Dakota tribal members the year before. The creation of Thanksgiving overshadowed this event as a national holiday, and some Indigenous peoples avoid celebrating due to this occurrence. 

However, the observance of Thanksgiving doesn’t necessarily have to honor the fraught relationship between the settlers and Indigenous communities. Instead, many people celebrate Thanksgiving using a different name, such as Turkey Day, Harvest Festival, or Friendsgiving. Certain Indigenous tribes have their own celebrations—to celebrate a bountiful harvest or acknowledge the changing seasons—which are held around the same time. Some people also have religious Thanksgiving services. Celebrating Thanksgiving is a personal choice; you don’t have to participate if you’re uncomfortable with the holiday’s past. 

How to celebrate Thanksgiving this year

If you’re choosing to celebrate Thanksgiving this year, consider the following celebrations. 

Make a delicious meal 

For many, Thanksgiving involves counting blessings. Loved ones often celebrate their blessings by cooking a large feast (turkey, pumpkin pie, and cranberry sauce are common dishes). A feast can be a literal acknowledgement of the abundance you have in your life—and a fun way to connect with friends and family. Alternatively, you can make a Thanksgiving meal for others, volunteering your time to cook for a soup kitchen or shelter. You can also donate kitchen supplies, money, or food to families in need. Volunteering can be a fulfilling way of expressing your appreciation.  

Have a “Friendsgiving” 

A “Friendsgiving” typically involves getting together with friends and sharing a meal on Thanksgiving Day. Some people may celebrate Thanksgiving with friends if they don’t have close connections with family or are unable to go home. Friendsgiving may also be a helpful option for those who have been estranged due to their identity. People who are without a large support system, aside from their chosen family, may also want to celebrate with friends. For people who have lost immediate family, Friendsgiving can be a comforting way to participate in Thanksgiving, connect with others, and practice gratitude.  

Redefine what the day means to you 

If you are uncomfortable with the origins of Thanksgiving, you can reconsider what the holiday means to you. Some families might celebrate their Indigenous culture or the changing of the seasons. You can also observe Thanksgiving in a way that acknowledges the history of colonialism. Consider personalizing your celebration so that it reflects your values and experiences.

Donate and volunteer to give back to your community

Many people take time during Thanksgiving to give back to others. Below are a few ways you can volunteer or donate this year: 

  • Serve food to people at a soup kitchen or shelter
  • Deliver meals to families
  • Donate to a food bank 
  • Give care kits—including socks, hygiene products, and gifts—to homeless shelters
  • Volunteer at a shelter 
  • Provide tutoring 
  • Volunteer at a non-profit for a cause you believe in 
  • Deliver for Meals on Wheels
  • Clean up trash at a park, beach, or local area
  • Offer to go grocery shopping for a family 
  • Start a clothing drive
  • Sponsor a family with an organization like Families First

Start a gratitude journal 

A gratitude journal can be a way to reflect on what you’re thankful for this year. To get started, write down five things you’re thankful for each day. On Thanksgiving Day, you might try responding to prompts, such as the following: 

  • Who am I most thankful for today, and why? 
  • What is one part of my life I often take for granted?
  • How can I find joy in helping others? 
  • What are five ways I have stood up for myself this year? 
  • How have I improved my life over the last year? 
  • What lessons am I grateful to have learned? 
  • Who can I lean on when I need help? 
  • What items in my life am I most grateful to own? 
  • How can I become more grateful over the next year?

What does it mean to be grateful? 

 is a feeling of appreciation in response to a tangible good or beneficial experience. You can be grateful for people, items, or situations. People often practice gratitude on Thanksgiving in recognition of the ways they are protected, loved, and nourished. You may be grateful for your relationships, natural abilities, or basic needs. Often, gratitude accompanies gestures that express this feeling, such as volunteering, giving back, or saying “thank you” to someone. 

The mental health benefits of gratitude 

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports that gratitude can improve mental health. Being grateful has been associated with reduced depression and anxiety, as well as higher levels of optimism and joy. In one study, participants who practiced daily gratitude had fewer visits to the doctor for health concerns. Practicing gratitude, even in small ways, may also improve your relationships. 

How do you celebrate Thanksgiving on your own? 

If you aren’t celebrating Thanksgiving with loved ones this year, you might consider giving back to your community by volunteering or donating. You could bake cookies for your neighbors or donate your time at a shelter. If you want to spend Thanksgiving alone, celebrating on your own allows you to reflect and pursue your interests. You could go on a hike, journal in nature, or go on a solo trip. 

How to cope with mental health challenges over the holidays 

Mental health concerns are common during the holidays. According to NAMI, three out of five Americans report their mental health being negatively impacted over the holiday season. If you’re experiencing mental health challenges, consider the following coping techniques: 

  • Journal about your emotions and thoughts
  • Spend time with people who respect your boundaries 
  • Avoid contentious discussions 
  • Find loved ones who accept and appreciate your identity 
  • Accept your feelings and understand that you’re not alone 
  • Volunteer in your community
  • Maintaining healthy habits, such as nutritious eating, exercising, drinking water, and getting enough sleep 
  • Practice a hobby 
  • Connect with others through your own holiday (such as Friendsgiving) 
  • Don’t force yourself to celebrate a holiday if you don’t want to 
  • Talk to a therapist 
A woman wearing an apron and gloves serves food to a man who is waiting in line. Two men stand beside the woman ready to serve food our of trays and pots to the next people in line.
Getty/Jose Luis Pelaez Inc Hours

Professional support options 

If you’re struggling with your mental health this holiday season or want to learn more about how to practice gratitude, you might benefit from talking to a therapist. However, the holidays can be stressful, and some people may not have the time or finances to meet with a therapist in person. In these cases, online therapy platforms like BetterHelp may be more convenient. 

Through an online platform, you can choose a session time that works for you and meet with a therapist through video call, voice call, or in-app messaging. Online therapy can also be more cost-effective, which may be helpful over the holidays. Additionally, studies show that online therapy is effective in reducing symptoms of conditions like depression and anxiety and improving the quality of life of clients. 

Takeaway 

Thanksgiving, a holiday with roots in the 1600s, is a time for reflection and gratitude. In 2024, Thanksgiving will fall on November 28th; and if you’re celebrating this year, consider giving back to your community, starting a gratitude journal, or tending to your mental well-being. For mental health support, consider seeking guidance from a therapist online or in your area.

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