A festival to be thankful for life! 

Thanksgiving is a national holiday in the United States celebrated in November. The annual feast is in honour of the “first” Thanksgivings in America, in 1619 in Virginia, and in 1621, when colonists in Plymouth, Massachusetts, later known as the Pilgrims, shared a meal with the Wampanoag Indians, who were native to the land. The later feast was in honour of the help the Pilgrims received from the Native Americans in cultivating crops and surviving their first harsh winter and it lasted three days.

Later, US Presidents including George Washington, John Adams and James Madison called for days of thanks throughout their presidencies. However, it was not until 1863, during the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln declared a national Thanksgiving Day would be held each November to be celebrated by all of the country.

Thanksgiving takes place each year on the fourth Thursday of November.

During some Thanksgiving celebrations, people write down what they are thankful for and then read aloud from the pieces of paper. In schools, children learn about the holiday by colouring in pictures of Pilgrims and turkeys and the Mayflower, the ship the colonists arrived on. The day is also celebrated with the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, as you may have seen in one Thanksgiving episode of F.R.I.E.N.D.S. 

Such holidays often bring out the best in Sitcoms, and who can possibly forget the classic Thanksgiving episodes we grew up watching along with our families. So, to reminisce them all, here’s a list for everyone to watch and indulge in the great holiday spirit! 

1)    Thanksgiving, That ‘70s Show S1 E9

There are few sitcom characters meant to host Thanksgiving like Kitty Forman is meant to host the dinner of the decade on That '70s Show. On the series' original holiday special, as Kitty is overwhelmed with preparing supper and the arrival of their critical guest of honor, Red’s mother! While holiday meals seem like they should go smoothly when they're cooked by even the sitcom rendition of June Carter, rotten kids always find a way to screw things up.

2)    Parents, New Girl S2 E8

New Girl has tackled Turkey Day a number of times over its six-season run, but this Season 2 entry is the standout. In it, Jess attempts to reunite her divorced parents, Parent Trap-style, by inviting them both to the loft for Thanksgiving.

3)    Slapsgiving, How I Met Your Mother S3 E9

“Slapsgiving” continues in the tradition of one of the most hilarious long-running gags on the hit sitcom. Marshall won a bet against Barney and as his prize, he gets to slap Barney five times. Meanwhile, Ted and Robin are trying to get over the awkward post-break-up-but-still-friends phase they find themselves in. 

4)    Thanksgiving Orphans, Cheers S5 E9

While it takes place outside of Cheers’ usual bar locale, “Thanksgiving Orphans” remains a classic. The core cast gathers around the table to trade barbs over a Thanksgiving meal gone wrong and offers viewers a look at a family of friends together for the holiday.

5)    Pilgrim Rick, This Is Us S1 E8

In flashback, Jack, Rebecca, and the Big 3 get stranded on the way to Rebecca’s mom’s house and begin a tradition of their own, one that involves a killer hat and convenience store hot dogs. And, in the present day, the family attempts to keep the tradition alive, even without Jack.

6)    The One With All The Thanksgiving Flashbacks, F.R.E.N.D.S. S5 E8

The gang looks back on all their terrible Thanksgivings through the years. Chandler remembers his parents telling him they’re getting divorced over dinner. Joey recalls getting his head stuck in Monica’s turkey. Classic. Monica relives the horror of meeting Chandler for the first time when he called her fat and the following year when she accidentally cut off his toe. Monica puts a turkey on her head to cheer Chandler up and he ends up accidentally telling her he loves her.

7)    Thanksgiving, Brooklyn Nine-Nine S1 E10

Some people celebrate Thanksgiving with family, others with friends, or you can have all your coworkers over. Amy serves up Thanksgiving dinner for the precinct and everyone gets a taste of her terrible cooking before Holt and Jake ditch to take down a perp.

Let us know what you do with your family on Thanksgiving in the comment section below <3