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Thanksgiving Day: A National Holiday

Thanksgiving Day in 2024 falls on Thursday, November 28. This day is designated as a federal holiday, meaning that most government offices, schools, and many businesses will be closed. Employees in the public sector almost universally have this day off, while most private companies also follow suit.

Thanksgiving is one of the 11 federal holidays in the U.S., established to ensure that Americans can take time to celebrate and spend time with loved ones. Because of its status, Thanksgiving Day is a guaranteed day off for many workers.

The Day After Thanksgiving: Black Friday

The day after Thanksgiving, often referred to as Black Friday, is not a federal holiday. However, many employers grant this day off as well, especially in the private sector. Schools and universities commonly include Black Friday in their Thanksgiving holiday schedules, making it a two-day break for most Americans.

This additional day off allows families to enjoy an extended weekend. For those who work in the retail sector, however, Black Friday is one of the busiest days of the year. Major retailers often open early, with massive discounts that attract millions of shoppers.

A Four-Day Weekend for Many

Thanks to the combination of Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday, many Americans enjoy a four-day weekend spanning from Thursday to Sunday. This long weekend is a perfect time for travel, with millions of people taking to the roads or skies to visit family and friends.

For students, the Thanksgiving break often begins earlier in the week. Many schools give students the entire week off, particularly in districts where Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday are allocated for teacher planning or staff development. College students also typically enjoy a week-long holiday, allowing ample time for travel and relaxation.

Thanksgiving in the Workplace

While Thanksgiving is a federal holiday, time off policies for employees vary depending on the employer:

Public Sector: Federal, state, and local government employees are guaranteed a day off on Thanksgiving Day. Many government offices also close on Black Friday, giving employees a four-day weekend.

Private Sector: Most private companies close on Thanksgiving Day, and many offer Black Friday as an additional paid holiday. However, in industries like healthcare, retail, and hospitality, employees may be required to work on both days.

Retail Workers: Black Friday is one of the busiest shopping days of the year, so retail workers often work extended hours during Thanksgiving weekend. Some stores even open on Thanksgiving evening to start Black Friday sales early.

Travel and Celebrations During the Thanksgiving Break

worst times to drive during Thanksgiving week
Worst times to drive during Thanksgiving week

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel periods of the year. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), millions of Americans hit the roads, rails, and skies to reunite with family. Airports are particularly hectic, with flights booked months in advance.

Family Gatherings and Feasts: The highlight of Thanksgiving is the traditional meal, featuring turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Families gather to share the meal and reflect on what they are thankful for.

Football Games: Watching football is a Thanksgiving tradition for many. The NFL hosts several games on Thanksgiving Day, drawing millions of viewers and bringing families together to cheer for their favorite teams.

Almost 80 million people will hit the roads and airways this Thanksgiving

Over the holiday season, 79.9 million people will travel 50 miles or more, up 1.7 million from the previous year and 2 million more than in 2019.

To better reflect people's travel patterns, the AAA has included the Tuesday before and Monday after Thanksgiving in its annual prediction for the first time.

71.7 million of the trips will be made by car, which means that 1.3 million more people will be traveling than the previous year. Compared to last year's holiday, gas prices are lower than the national average of $3.26 per gallon.

School Schedules During Thanksgiving

Schools in the United States usually give students time off for Thanksgiving. While schedules vary, most schools follow one of these patterns:

  1. Two-Day Break: Schools close on Thanksgiving Day and the following Friday, giving students a four-day weekend.

  2. Three-Day Break: Schools add Wednesday to the holiday, allowing families extra travel time.

  3. Week-Long Break: Some districts give students the entire week off, particularly in areas where families travel long distances for the holiday.

Parents should check their local school district’s calendar to confirm the specific dates.

Fun Facts About Thanksgiving

  1. First Thanksgiving: The first Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1621 by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe, marking a successful harvest.

  2. Turkey Pardoning: Each year, the President of the United States "pardons" a turkey, sparing it from being eaten and allowing it to live out its days on a farm.

  3. Thanksgiving Parade: The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City is a cherished tradition, featuring giant balloons, floats, and performances.

What to Do During the Thanksgiving Break

If you’re lucky enough to have a four-day weekend, here are some popular ways to make the most of it:

  • Travel to Visit Family: Thanksgiving is all about spending time with loved ones. Many Americans take advantage of the break to travel across the country.

  • Black Friday Shopping: Shop for holiday deals and discounts, either in-store or online.

  • Volunteer: Many people use the holiday as an opportunity to give back by serving meals at shelters or donating to food banks.

  • Relax at Home: For those who prefer a quieter celebration, the Thanksgiving break is an excellent time to catch up on rest, enjoy holiday movies, and reflect on the year.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving in the United States is a time of gratitude, family, and tradition. In 2024, most Americans can expect at least one day off, with many enjoying a four-day weekend if their employers or schools grant additional time off. Whether you’re traveling, shopping, or simply enjoying a hearty meal, Thanksgiving is a cherished opportunity to connect with loved ones and give thanks for life’s blessings.

How will you spend your Thanksgiving break in 2024? Let us know your plans!

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