Thanksgiving is one of the most cherished holidays in the United States, celebrated with family, friends, and plenty of food. But for some, there’s a puzzling twist to the day it is celebrated: many people distinctly remember Thanksgiving being celebrated on the third Thursday of November, not the fourth Thursday as it is currently.
The Memory: Thanksgiving on the Third Thursday
For those with this alternate memory, Thanksgiving was a steadfast tradition held on the third Thursday of November. This recollection feels deeply ingrained, tied to family traditions, school events, and memories of marking the holiday an entire week earlier in the month.
Some recall that once Thanksgiving celebrations were over, the excitement for Christmas would quickly take over. Many fondly remember counting down the weeks until Christmas, and it was always five weeks away when Thanksgiving fell on the third Thursday. This anticipation added to the joy of the season, making it feel like there was just the right amount of time to enjoy the transition between holidays. Today, with Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday, that countdown is down to only four weeks—basically a month—which can feel noticeably shorter to those who recall it differently.
Some remember learning and even celebrating Thanksgiving on the third Thursday. Yet, looking at today’s calendar—and historical records—Thanksgiving is officially marked as being celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November every year.
The Reality: Thanksgiving on the Fourth Thursday
Currently, Thanksgiving is officially observed on the fourth Thursday of November, a practice that dates back decades. The holiday’s date was standardized in 1941, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a resolution to end confusion about the holiday’s timing.
Before this, Thanksgiving was celebrated inconsistently. While the tradition dates back to the 1621 feast shared by the Pilgrims and Native Americans, it wasn’t an official national holiday until President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed it so in 1863 during the Civil War. Even then, it was celebrated on different dates depending on the state.
In 1939, Roosevelt moved the holiday up by a week to the third Thursday to extend the shopping season during the Great Depression, leading to widespread controversy. After pushback, the date was changed back to the fourth Thursday in 1941, where it has remained ever since.
What Do You Remember?
Was Thanksgiving always on the fourth Thursday of November for you, or do you distinctly recall celebrating it on the third Thursday? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Happy Thanksgiving—whichever Thursday you celebrate!
