Welcome back, festive friends!
November brings colder days, warm food, and two very special celebrations from the English-speaking world: Bonfire Night in the UK and Thanksgiving in the USA.
Let’s dive into both!
🇬🇧 Bonfire Night (UK) – November 5th
Also known as Guy Fawkes Night, this uniquely British celebration dates back to 1605, when a man named Guy Fawkes tried (and failed) to blow up the Houses of Parliament.
Ever since, people across the UK have marked November 5th with:
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Bonfires 🔥
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Firework displays 🎆
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Toffee apples and hot drinks 🍏☕
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Sometimes even burning an effigy (a model) of Guy Fawkes
You’ll often hear this rhyme:
Remember, remember the Fifth of November,
Gunpowder, treason and plot…
It’s a night full of light, history, and warmth.
🇺🇸 Thanksgiving (USA) – Fourth Thursday of November
Thanksgiving in the USA is a major national holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November every year. It’s a time when families and friends come together to give thanks for the harvest and blessings of the past year.
Key Facts About Thanksgiving in the USA:
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History:
The origins trace back to 1621 when the Pilgrims at Plymouth Colony shared a feast with the Wampanoag Native Americans to celebrate a successful harvest. -
Traditions:
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Thanksgiving dinner: The centerpiece meal usually includes roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, green beans, and pumpkin pie.
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Parades: Famous parades like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City feature floats, marching bands, and giant balloons.
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Football: Watching NFL games on Thanksgiving Day is a popular tradition.
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Volunteering: Many people volunteer to help feed the homeless or less fortunate.
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Meaning:
It’s a time to reflect on gratitude, family, and community.
Summary: Thanksgiving is one of the biggest family holidays in the United States. It began as a harvest festival in the 1600s when English Pilgrims and Native Americans shared a meal to give thanks.
Today, it’s celebrated with:
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Roast turkey and stuffing 🦃
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Pumpkin pie and mashed potatoes 🥧
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Family gatherings and gratitude
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Watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 🎈
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And of course... American football 🏈
A common tradition is for everyone to say what they're thankful for before the meal. ❤️
📝 Expressions of the Month:
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Bonfire – a large outdoor fire
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Feast – a large, special meal
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To be thankful for – to appreciate something
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Fireworks – colorful explosions in the sky
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Stuffing – a savory bread dish served with turkey
November reminds us of the importance of history, community, and giving thanks.
🍂 What will you be thankful for this month?
🎄 Next stop: December, where lights, songs, and winter magic await…
Until then,
The Festivities Team
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