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When we hear the word Thanksgiving, many people immediately think of the United States—large family meals, turkey, pumpkin pie, and people travelling across the country to be with loved ones. But while Thanksgiving is most famously celebrated in the U.S., the spirit of the celebration has grown far beyond its borders. Many people around the world now acknowledge Thanksgiving in their own way, especially in countries with large American communities, or anywhere people want to pause and give thanks.
But what is Thanksgiving really about? Why is it so significant in the United States? And why has it become a meaningful celebration for so many people?
This article explores the meaning of Thanksgiving, its history, and why gratitude is becoming a universal tradition that people everywhere can connect with — including artists, designers, creatives, and pivoters in our ArtSHINE community.
Is Thanksgiving Only Celebrated in the United States?
Thanksgiving is primarily celebrated in the United States, where it is one of the most important national holidays. However, it is not exclusive to the U.S.
Here are the countries that officially celebrate Thanksgiving:
United States
Celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, it is one of the biggest holidays in the country.
Canada
Celebrated earlier, on the second Monday of October, linked to giving thanks for the harvest season.
Other Countries
Several countries have celebrations inspired by Thanksgiving or similar traditions of harvest and gratitude, including:
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Liberia — founded by freed American slaves, celebrates Thanksgiving with African flavours.
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Grenada — celebrates a Thanksgiving-style holiday to commemorate U.S. assistance during the 1983 crisis.
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The Philippines — influenced by American history, some families still celebrate a Thanksgiving meal.
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Australia, UK, and other countries — do not have a national Thanksgiving, but many families celebrate “Friendsgiving” or adopt Thanksgiving traditions for fun, connection, or cultural curiosity.
So, while Thanksgiving is strongly associated with America, the idea behind it — gratitude, reflection, sharing food, and being together — is universal.
Where Did Thanksgiving Come From?
The history of Thanksgiving in the U.S. goes back to the early 1600s.
The Origin Story (as commonly told)
In 1621, English settlers known as the Pilgrims held a three-day harvest celebration after surviving a harsh winter. They shared the feast with the Wampanoag people, who had helped them learn how to grow crops and adapt to the land. This event is often called the “First Thanksgiving.”
However, it is also important to recognise that the real history is complex. For Native American communities, Thanksgiving can be a day of mourning, because colonisation brought harm, loss, and displacement. Many Indigenous groups use Thanksgiving as a time to honour their ancestors and share their own stories.
How Thanksgiving Became a National Holiday
The idea of a national day of thanks grew slowly over time. In the 1800s, writer Sarah Josepha Hale (who also wrote “Mary Had a Little Lamb”) campaigned for 17 years to make Thanksgiving a national holiday.
In 1863, during the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln declared it a national holiday, hoping it would bring people together and promote healing in a divided nation.
Today, Thanksgiving is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the United States, with millions travelling to be with family and friends.
What Does Thanksgiving Really Mean?
At its heart, Thanksgiving is about gratitude, connection, and reflection.
Here are the key meanings behind the celebration:
1. Gratitude for What We Have
Thanksgiving reminds people to pause and say “thank you.”
Not just for big things, but for small everyday blessings:
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a roof overhead
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food on the table
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friendships and family
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support from colleagues or community
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another year of growth and learning
In a world where people often feel rushed or overwhelmed, gratitude is a powerful way to ground ourselves.
2. Harvest and Abundance
Historically, Thanksgiving was a celebration of the harvest — a moment to appreciate the food grown during the year.
Even in modern life, the meal symbolises abundance and the idea of sharing what we have.
3. Togetherness
Thanksgiving is one of the rare holidays where people of different beliefs, cultures, and backgrounds come together simply to share a meal and reflect.
In the creative world, where many of us work alone or in small studios, the spirit of togetherness is especially meaningful.
4. Giving Back
Many communities see Thanksgiving as a time to help others:
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volunteering
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donating food
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supporting charities
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reaching out to people who may be isolated or lonely
The heart of the tradition is not the food on the table — it is the spirit of generosity.
Why Is Thanksgiving So Significant Today?
Even though Thanksgiving is rooted in American history, its message is timeless and universal. Here’s why it continues to hold such power:
1. A Pause in a Busy World
People live fast lives. Thanksgiving is one of the few holidays that asks us to slow down, breathe, and reflect.
2. A Moment of Emotional Reset
Gratitude is scientifically proven to improve mental health, reduce stress, and strengthen relationships. No wonder people look forward to a day dedicated to it.
3. Food as Connection
Food is the language of love in every culture.
Sharing a meal creates memories, comfort, and joy.
4. A Celebration That Welcomes Everyone
Thanksgiving does not require religious rituals.
It welcomes people of all cultures, beliefs, and backgrounds.
This makes it easy to adopt — which is why “Friendsgiving” has become popular around the world.
5. A Time for Stories and Traditions
Every family celebrates differently:
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some watch parades
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some play sport
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some cook from family recipes
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some create new traditions each year
Stories passed around the table help connect generations, just like the way creatives pass stories through art, design, writing, music, and culture.
What Can Thanksgiving Teach Creatives?
For artists, designers, writers, and creative professionals, Thanksgiving carries beautiful lessons:
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Appreciate your journey, even the challenges.
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Celebrate your progress, not just the results.
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Honour the people who support your creativity — mentors, clients, collaborators, collectors.
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Share your gifts generously, because art becomes meaningful when it is shared.
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Slow down and reconnect with yourself, your intentions, and your purpose.
Gratitude opens the door to inspiration.
In the End: Thanksgiving Is About the Heart
Whether or not you celebrate it, Thanksgiving invites all of us to pause, breathe, and reflect on the good in our lives.
It is a moment to say:
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Thank you for being here.
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Thank you for walking this journey with me.
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Thank you for the opportunities, the lessons, and the connections.
And for the ArtSHINE community, it is a chance to recognise the creative spark within each of us — the spark that grows brighter when we share gratitude, kindness, and connection.
