20 Burning Questions Non-Americans Are Dying to Ask Americans About Thanksgiving!
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Thanksgiving is America’s most cherished holiday, held annually on the fourth Thursday of November. It dates back to 1621 when pilgrims from England and native Wampanoags shared a harvest feast. Did you know that Americans consume an estimated 46 million turkeys every year, along with stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, corn, green beans, and a luscious pumpkin pie? Although it’s based around gratitude and togetherness, for outsiders, the holiday is a conglomeration of odd foods, football, and wild shopping sprees.
Thanksgiving is more than just the food coma awaiting you; it’s a cultural event with so many traditions and quirks that will make non—Americans seriously wonder. What’s there to explain about a balloon parade? Who paired sweet potatoes and marshmallows on one plate? These burning questions draw the outsiders in, and the answers are just as fascinating as the holiday itself. Here are 20 burning questions non-Americans are dying to ask about Thanksgiving.
Why is turkey the centerpiece of the meal?
Before there were turkeys, early settlers ate other wild game. But turkeys got the nod because they were large enough to be a crowd pleaser and had no other uses, like cows or chickens.
Turkey eventually became the annual icon because it was tied to abundance and Norman Rockwell-esque imagery.
What’s the deal with cranberry sauce? Is it supposed to be sweet or savory?
Cranberry sauce is one of the polarizing dishes that seems to have escaped the scrap heap of the centuries.
Originally developed to get rid of these tart little berries native to America, sugar was soon added to make it more palatable.
Why is pumpkin pie so popular?
Pumpkin pie is the nuke of fall flavors—the spices are delicious, and its creaminess can only be tamed by a drizzle of whipped cream.
It’s thought that early settlers also used milk and honey to make simple desserts with pumpkins, which is the foundation of this Thanksgiving gem.
What exactly is stuffing, and why is it sometimes called dressing?
Traditionally, stuffing is a mixture of bread cubes, herbs, and broth that’s cooked inside the turkey.
In the South, however, it’s often baked separately and called ‘dressing’ because the notion of stuffing it into a bird never caught on.
Do people actually eat green bean casserole, or is it just a myth?
They love it. Usually, it’s more for the crispy fried onions on top than the green beans underneath.
This dish was invented in the 1950s by Campbell’s Soup to sell more of their cream of mushroom soup, and it’s been on a Thanksgiving table ever since.
What’s with the sweet potatoes covered in marshmallows?
This sounds like a rogue dessert, but it’s been a staple since marshmallows were first marketed as a versatile ingredient in the early 20th century.
Many Americans love marshmallows mixed with earthy sweet potatoes, and it’s a nostalgic trip for them. Love it or hate it, it’s just not Thanksgiving without it.
How much food is too much on Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving is practically a license to eat until you can’t move; there’s no such thing as too much.
On Thanksgiving, the average American will eat over 4,500 calories, which is virtually a cheat month of calories.
Are leftovers really the best part of the holiday?
Absolutely! Thanksgiving leftovers are next level—turkey sandwich, cold pie out of the fridge, things you don’t even think of like turkey stuffing waffles.
Americans argue that the leftovers are even better than the actual meal; you can eat them in stretchy pants without being judged by relatives.
Is Thanksgiving dinner always eaten so early in the day?
Yes, and no one knows why. Dinner tends to begin at 3 PM, somewhere between lunch and dinner, so there’s enough time to finish dinner and still manage another helping (or round two of dessert).
It’s also great timing for plopping on the couch afterward to watch football or taking a nap while pretending to watch football.
Why is Thanksgiving such a big deal compared to other holidays?
Thanksgiving is special because it is nonreligious, about food, family, and giving thanks, which are three things everyone can support.
It’s not over-commercialized like so many, so it feels genuine.
How do Native Americans feel about Thanksgiving?
This is a complex, sensitive topic. Thanksgiving’s real history is far more painful than the holiday is typically portrayed.
Many Native people hold the National Day of Mourning and other similar events on this day to remember their ancestors and reflect on their resilience.
Is Thanksgiving just an excuse to shop and start Christmas early?
Before stores actually opened on Thanksgiving evening, which thankfully many of them have stopped, as it was a mess.
However, people don’t hesitate to strategize their Black Friday game plan right after dessert.
Do people really say what they’re thankful for at the dinner table?
It depends on the family. Some take it all in with heartfelt speeches, while others just make it brief and sweet (“I’m thankful for pie”).
It’s cheesy, but in a warm way that doesn’t make you feel guilty for eating heartily.
Why is football so tied to Thanksgiving?
Football joined the Thanksgiving party relatively early — in the 19th century after college teams started playing games on the holiday.
The tradition of playing in the NFL became cemented in the 1930s with annual games; these days, they’re as important as turkey and pie. Even if you don’t like it, the background noise of a game feels festive.
Do people actually dress up for Thanksgiving dinner?
It depends on the family vibe; some do, and some don’t. In some households, it’s a fancy affair where they sit at the table with a set tablecloth and are dressed in formal outfits.
A good elastic waistband and a warm sweater are all that matters for other families. Either way, by the end of the meal, everyone has eaten way too much to care about appearances.
How do people manage to host so many guests in their homes?
It’s a logistical thing: there are a lot of folding chairs and makeshift tables, and the food assignments are strategically careful.
These occasions often involve many hands in the perfectly delicious pot, with many hosts delegating to guests to bring side dishes or desserts.
Is it normal to travel cross-country just for this one meal?
Yes! Americans travel in numbers during the long Thanksgiving weekend, with millions flying or driving to spend the holidays with family and friends.
No matter how bad or how long those long airport lines, or those traffic jams are, the comfort food bounty that lies on the other side is worth it.
What do vegetarians or vegans eat on Thanksgiving?
These days, veggie lovers are not short on options: from Tofurky to stuffed squash to plant-based versions of classic sides.
That said, most Thanksgiving dishes — mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls — are already vegetarian-friendly. Sometimes, if that fails, you can fall back on pie — and a lot of it.
What’s a Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and why is it famous?
Macy’s Parade is a New York City showstopper featuring giant character balloons, floats, and live performances.
It is something that began in 1924 as a way to advertise for the Macy’s store — an inevitable tradition.
How do Americans survive Thanksgiving and Black Friday right after?
After all, the answer is sheer determination and possibly a food-fueled adrenaline rush. Later, after the big meal, many folks nap or get some ‘rest for the eyes’ ahead of the midnight shopping.
It’s a wildly unique American tradition, combining gratitude and consumerism into a tense weekend of chaos.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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