9 Reasons Thanksgiving is a Cultural Icon

Pilgrims and Wampanoags celebrated their 1621 harvest feast in Plymouth. This was the "first Thanksgiving."

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It celebrates the autumn harvest and was declared a national holiday by Abraham Lincoln in 1863.

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Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie are served at a large Thanksgiving lunch with family and friends.

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Macy's has held an annual Thanksgiving Day parade in NYC since 1924, televised nationally since 1948.

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Thanksgiving Thursday off for many Americans means heavy travel as they journey home to family. This creates peak travel days.

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Thanksgiving weekend kicks off the holiday shopping season, with Black Friday sales drawing huge crowds to stores.

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The NFL has hosted games on Thanksgiving Day since 1920, with Detroit and Dallas traditionallyhosting afternoon matchups.

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Many Thanksgiving traditions include watching Charlie Brown, visiting the Radio City Rockettes, and volunteering to feed the hungry.

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Turkey pardoning ceremonies at the White House let the public vote on sparing the lives of turkeys presented to the President.

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