THANKSGIVING STAYCATION

Thanksgiving is a national holiday celebrated on different dates in the United States, Canada and Liberia. This day began as a day of giving thanks and sacrifice for the blessing of the harvest and of the year. This festival is celebrated by various names in various places. It is celebrated on the second Monday of October and in the USA, it is celebrated on the Fourth Thursday of November. Although, it has some religious historical roots, it also has been celebrated as a secular holiday for a very long time.

HISTORY OF THANKSGIVING

Prayer of thanks and special thanksgiving protocol are very normal among all the religious harvest. The holiday history in North America dates back to the English Tradition of protestant reformation. It also has the facet of the harvest festival, but in New-England the harvest season occurs before the end of November, and so, the modern thanksgiving is celebrated at that time. In English tradition these religious services became important during the reign of Henry VIII followed by all other religious holidays celebrated according to the catholic calendar. There were 95 church holidays and 52 Sundays in 1536 and people had to give up their work, sometimes even had to pay for the celebration whenever they were called for. Though in 1536 only 27 church holidays were declared, the puritan wanted to eliminate Christmas and Easter. Pilgrims and Puritans who moved from England in the 1620 and 1630s followed this tradition of Days of Fasting and days of Thanksgiving to New England. Several days of thanksgiving were celebrated in New England and were called “First Thanksgiving”. Thanksgiving proclamation was mainly done by church leaders in New England till 1682 and later on by both the state and leaders. On November 26, 1789, George Washington, the then president celebrated nationwide thanksgiving in America saying, “a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God”.

POPULAR DESTINATION FOR THANKSGIVING

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Holidays in the smokies might be a great idea if you’re planning to celebrate holiday this year with your family. From numerous vacation rentals to cozy cabins to mountains, here you can even enjoy different activities and events too. The Great Smoky thanksgiving and Christmas arts and craft show is the perfect place to carry home all the souvenirs. After all the fun and activities that place has to offer make sure to taste all the good thanksgiving food that this place has to offer.

Hawaii

Anytime is a great time to visit Hawaii, November is considered the best to take a trip around this place because of all the festivities and vibes this city offers. During this time, it offers a quieter scene and if you’re lucky you can even get a chance to enjoy turkey dinner and if you visit Waikiki, you can even get a chance to witness the Thanksgiving holiday, parade that is held on Friday every year.

Orlando, Florida

Florida is the most jam-packed place when it comes to celebration of any holiday especially, Thanksgiving. Theme parks, all the Disney world and universal studios are filled with people, especially school students. At Disney World, you will get all sorts of Thanksgiving meals, so that you don’t miss out on the traditional feasts. Moreover, all the places in Florida serve a thanksgiving feast at every Disney Resorts.

New York City, New York

Famous for its Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, Big Apple hosts a very traditional thanksgiving, which attracts thousands of participants and over millions of spectators every year and others that watch through the tv.  This whole pageant is made up of big massive balloons, floats, cheerleaders, marching bands and clowns including Broadway shows and many celebrities that join this parade.

Chicago, Illinois

Chicago offers all sorts of festive vibes and holiday attractions amidst the chilly weather, which makes Chicago a good reason to spend Thanksgiving weekend. All the preparation kicks start on Wednesday and then a three-hour- long parade starts off. One of the largest celebrations in the country, finding spots to watch the parade and all other activities can be a bit tricky but is worth it.

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is a city that adds more shine to its picturesque neighborhood and when thanksgiving is around the city, nothing beats the glorifying and holiday vibes of this place. New Orleans gave birth to the modern tradition of celebrating thanksgiving. The feast that they offer in thanksgiving dinner is something one cannot miss, the triple-poultry dish is a chicken stuffed in a duck is a highlight of the feast. Deep fried turkey is the most common food served there.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

You can learn about Native American Culture through its famous museum, as most of the Americans focus only on Pilgrims at Thanksgiving. The winter-Indian market is held every year for 3 days around thanksgiving weekend. It showcases almost 200 artists as well as local dance groups and music. Don’t miss a chance to visit slopes, do try ski Santa Fe, which opens mostly on Thanksgiving Day.

Grapevine, TX

Although, it is known as “Christmas capital of Texas”, when it comes to celebrating Thanksgiving, this city will never disappoint you. Grapevine offers a beautiful holiday decoration and light show, appropriate for all ages.

TOP HOTELS TO STAY IN DURING THANKSGIVING

• Andaz 5th avenue, New York
• Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown
• Eden Roc Miami Beach
• Loews Regency Hotel, New York
• Lumeria Maui, Hawaii
• Four Seasons Hotel, Chicago
• Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch, Colorado
• Viceroy Santa Monica, California

This year don’t miss a chance to visit your family, friends and celebrate thanksgiving with them. choose us as your travel partners to help you experience every single moment of this holiday. Fly with us by picking out the best deals for your favorite destination and make some inevitable memories with friends and families! For more information visit the official website FirstFly Travel.