Thanksgiving is set to land on its second-latest possible date this year: November 27, 2024. This late arrival means many Americans have a longer wait for one of the year’s most anticipated holidays. If you’re already feeling the holiday spirit, brace yourself—this year’s Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away but it’s the latest it can be until 2024, when it falls even later on November 28.
Why does Thanksgiving shift around so much? The holiday’s date varies due to its reliance on the calendar, not on a specific date each year. Thanksgiving can be celebrated as early as November 22, a date we haven’t seen since 2018 and won’t see again until 2029.
The history of Thanksgiving dates back to 1789, when President George Washington proclaimed the first official “Day of Publick Thanksgiving” on November 26. Over the years, various presidents issued proclamations, leading to inconsistency in the holiday’s timing. For instance, President James Madison declared Thanksgiving on September 9 in 1813 and March 16 in 1815.
In an effort to standardize the holiday, President Abraham Lincoln declared that Thanksgiving would be celebrated on the last Thursday of November in 1863. However, this was not without exceptions, as President Andrew Johnson had to issue a proclamation for the first Thursday of December in 1865 due to a missed announcement.
Fast forward to 1939, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved Thanksgiving to the second-to-last Thursday of November, believing it would extend the Christmas shopping season during the Great Depression. Despite Roosevelt’s intentions, only 32 states complied, while 16 states kept the original date of the last Thursday. Ultimately, Congress standardized Thanksgiving to the fourth Thursday in November in 1941, a decision still in effect today.
This year, the late Thanksgiving means families will have to wait longer to gather around the table, enjoy turkey, and partake in traditional festivities. As excitement builds, many are already looking forward to upcoming events like the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which promises a star-studded lineup.
Looking ahead, next year will bring a slightly earlier Thanksgiving on November 26, but for now, the focus is on the late celebration of November 27. As families prepare, this holiday season is shaping up to be memorable, with many eagerly anticipating the return of cherished traditions.
Stay updated for more developments as Thanksgiving approaches, and share your favorite holiday traditions as we gear up for this special time of year!
