5 Fun Facts About Thanksgiving You Didn’t Know

5 Fun Facts About Thanksgiving You Didn’t Know

Thanksgiving is a beloved holiday filled with traditions, family gatherings, and delicious feasts. While most people know about the iconic turkey dinner and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, there are plenty of lesser-known facts about this cherished holiday. Here are five fun and surprising facts about Thanksgiving to share at your next celebration:

1. The First Thanksgiving Didn’t Feature Turkey

While turkey has become synonymous with Thanksgiving, the first celebration in 1621 likely included venison, fish, and seasonal crops like corn and squash. Historians believe the Wampanoag tribe and the Pilgrims dined on what was locally available rather than the traditional turkey we enjoy today.

2. It Took Over 200 Years for Thanksgiving to Become a National Holiday

Although Thanksgiving originated in the early 1600s, it wasn’t officially declared a national holiday until 1863. President Abraham Lincoln, prompted by writer Sarah Josepha Hale (famous for penning “Mary Had a Little Lamb”), proclaimed it a holiday during the Civil War to foster unity and gratitude across the country.

3. Americans Consume Over 46 Million Turkeys on Thanksgiving

Turkey remains the centerpiece of most Thanksgiving meals, with over 46 million turkeys consumed annually on this day alone. That’s nearly one turkey for every six people in the U.S.! Phoenix grocery stores, like AJ’s Fine Foods and Sprouts, often see a spike in turkey sales weeks before the holiday.

4. Thanksgiving Is the Busiest Day for Plumbers

Thanksgiving isn’t just about eating—it’s also about cleaning up afterward. The day after Thanksgiving is famously known as “Brown Friday” in the plumbing industry, as households deal with clogged drains and garbage disposals from post-feast cleanups.

5. The First TV Dinner Was Inspired by Thanksgiving

In 1953, Swanson had 260 tons of leftover turkey after Thanksgiving and decided to repurpose it into frozen dinners. This led to the creation of the TV dinner, a convenience food that quickly became a staple in American households.

Thanksgiving is not just a day for indulging in food; it’s a time to reflect on gratitude, history, and the quirks of tradition that make the holiday special. As you gather around the table this year, consider sharing these fun facts with your loved ones to spark conversation and appreciation for this uniquely American holiday. Contact Craig Bennett at Sotheby’s International Realty for all your real estate needs during this festive season and beyond.