It is almost that time of year… That is right, Thanksgiving! Here at the Harvest English Institute, we cannot wait to celebrate it. As one of the biggest holidays in the American calendar and the official start of the holiday festive season, what is there not love?

If you are new to studying with us here in America, we bet you are excited too but we also bet you are wondering what some of our typical traditions are all about? Well, look no further because the Harvest English Institute Team has put together a helpful guide for you understand everything there is to know about typical Thanksgiving traditions and why we love them so much.

Cook a Thanksgiving meal

As the most important part of the holiday, cooking and enjoying a family meal with friends and family is a way of giving thanks. As part of the history of Thanksgiving, we honor the American Pilgrims who gave thanks to the Native Americans who helped them produce a bountiful harvest.

As part of this celebratory meal, you can expect to tuck into a Turkey as the centerpiece, accompanied by sides of mashed potato, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce and plenty of other tasty delights.

For dessert, the most traditional choice is pumpkin pie but expect to try plenty of delicious variations.

Enjoy a Thanksgiving parade

As a way of bringing communities together, Thanksgiving day parades take place across America, with the biggest being held by the shopping department Macy’s in New York City.

Full of colorful floats, marching bands and much more, everyone young and old will love to watch a Thanksgiving parade.

Watch the presidential turkey pardon

A ceremony that has been taking place annually since the 1940s. The president is presented with a turkey and since George H. W. Bush all have chosen to pardon the birds, sparing their lives as a way of giving thanks.

Experience American Football

If you are a sports fan you may have noticed that American Football is a big part of the culture here in the US and particularly on Thanksgiving. Dating back to 1869, teams have since gone on to play one another across the country, making it a long-standing tradition and one that is taken very seriously.

Shop on Black Friday

The day after Thanksgiving, Black Friday is the non-official start of the holiday shopping season. With big sales taking place in stores across the country, it is the perfect day to pick up a bargain in time for Christmas.

Now that you have read our ultimate guide to this major holiday, we hope you are just as excited to celebrate as we are over the coming weeks. If you are not currently studying with us here at the Harvest English Institute and would like to learn more about our campuses in New Jersey, Orlando, and California, visit our website. You can also get in touch with our team at harvest@harvest.net to discuss our courses available and who knows, maybe this time next year you will be about to celebrate Thanksgiving with us here in America