Fourth Thursday in November
Most of us have simply accepted that Thanksgiving Day falls on the fourth Thursday of November, but older generations may recall a time when tradition was turned on its head, when half the states celebrated on one Thursday and half on the next – and Texas, Colorado and Mississippi chose to celebrate on both days.
In 1863, Abraham Lincoln proclaimed that Thanksgiving would be observed on the final Thursday of November. That became the generally accepted tradition until 1939, when Franklin Roosevelt was persuaded that as the final Thursday was November 30 that year, the late date could have an adverse effect on retail holiday sales – an important consideration as the country was trying to stimulate an economy still emerging from the Great Depression. His proclamation that year moved Thanksgiving to November 23, a week earlier. The public outcry was deafening, and the 48 states split over whether to choose tradition or the newly proclaimed “Franksgiving.” The dates were also moved in 1940 and 1941. Finally, in December 1941, the president signed a congressional resolution making Thanksgiving a national holiday – it hadn’t held that status previously – and declaring that beginning in 1942 it would fall on the fourth Thursday of November.
The spat over the date of Thanksgiving is now merely an historical footnote to tradition as you enjoy dinner with family and friends. Whether you have a grand or modest celebration, you can no doubt find much to be thankful for, whether good health, good neighbors, the family members around your table – or even the fact that, slowly, the economy appears to be recovering from the Great Recession.
I wish you and your family a pleasant day of Thanksgiving. On my own account, I would like to say that I’m very grateful to many people, including my clients who have worked with me to confront the economic challenges of the past few years.
I appreciate your allowing me to be of service to you and your family. Thank you.