Thanksgiving: A Time for Thanks, Fun Facts, Travel Safety, and Delicious Apple Pie

As Thanksgiving draws near, families across the U.S. are gearing up for a day of feasts, football, and festive cheer. This beloved holiday not only celebrates gratitude but also brings people together with its rich traditions, delectable meals, and moments of joy. Whether you’re a seasoned holiday pro or just looking to learn more about this special occasion, here’s a roundup of five fun facts about Thanksgiving, essential safety tips for travelers, and the most searched apple pie recipe to make this holiday even sweeter.

5 Fun Facts About Thanksgiving

1. The First Thanksgiving Wasn't Exactly What We Think
   Many people envision the first Thanksgiving as a large feast featuring turkey, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. In reality, the 1621 celebration between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe was likely much different. There was no pumpkin pie, and turkey was probably not the main dish. The menu likely included venison, seafood like fish and shellfish, corn, beans, squash, and wild fruits—just not the staples we associate with today’s Thanksgiving spread!

2. The Day After Thanksgiving Was Almost a National Holiday
   In the 19th century, some Americans advocated for the day after Thanksgiving to be declared a national holiday. They wanted it to be a time for families to rest, recover, and continue their holiday celebrations. However, this idea never quite caught on, and instead, Black Friday took on a life of its own as the unofficial start to the holiday shopping season.

3. Sarah Josepha Hale Helped Make Thanksgiving a National Holiday
   It wasn’t until 1863 that Thanksgiving was declared a national holiday by President Abraham Lincoln. A determined editor named Sarah Josepha Hale (author of the nursery rhyme “Mary Had a Little Lamb”) spent 17 years writing letters to presidents, advocating for a national day of thanks. Her persistence paid off when Lincoln proclaimed the holiday during the Civil War, hoping it would help unite the country.

4. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Started in 1924
   The iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which is broadcasted every year to millions of people, first debuted in 1924. Originally, it was a Christmas parade featuring animals from the Central Park Zoo, but over the years, it evolved into the spectacular event with gigantic balloons, floats, and performances that we know and love today.

5. Thanksgiving Is a Time for Pies
   While turkey and stuffing are typically the stars of the Thanksgiving dinner table, the real fan-favorite might just be pie. Americans consume an estimated 46 million pumpkin pies and 17 million apple pies on Thanksgiving day alone! It’s no wonder that apple pie has become a symbol of this holiday, representing warmth, family, and tradition.

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Thanksgiving Travel Safety Tips

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel times of the year, with millions of people hitting the road, the skies, and the rails to be with their loved ones. Here are some travel safety tips to ensure your journey goes smoothly:

1. Plan Ahead and Book Early
   Thanksgiving travel can get hectic, so it’s important to plan ahead. Book your flights, rental cars, or accommodations well in advance to avoid last-minute price hikes or limited availability. Be sure to check your travel provider’s policies for any holiday-specific changes.

2. Leave Early and Be Prepared for Traffic
   If you’re driving, the day before Thanksgiving is known as one of the busiest travel days. Consider leaving early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid heavy congestion. Be sure to check traffic updates and prepare for possible delays.

3. Check the Weather Forecast
   Winter weather can wreak havoc on travel plans, so make sure you’re aware of the forecast, especially if you're driving through areas that may experience snow or ice. Have your vehicle winter-ready with essentials like an emergency kit, warm clothing, and fully charged electronics.

4. Stay Alert at the Airport
   If you’re flying, keep an eye on flight status updates and arrive at the airport early to account for longer lines. With extra travelers in the terminal, there may be longer waits at security or gate changes. Stay calm, follow the guidelines, and remember to hydrate (because traveling can be draining!).

5. Travel Safely with Children or Pets
   Traveling with kids or pets requires some additional preparation. Keep snacks, entertainment, and travel necessities close by, and be sure to pack any important medication. For pets, make sure their carriers meet airline regulations and that they’re comfortable for the journey.

The Most Searched Apple Pie Recipe

Apple pie has become synonymous with Thanksgiving, and for good reason—its sweet, spiced filling and flaky crust make it the perfect dessert to end your holiday meal. Here’s a recipe for the most searched apple pie that combines all the classic flavors with a few simple ingredients.

6 to 8 medium apples  (Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great options for a mix of tart and sweet) 1 tablespoon lemon juice 3/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste) 1/4 cup brown sugar 2 tablespoons flour 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter  (cut into small pieces) 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 package of refrigerated pie crusts  (or homemade if you prefer)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). If using refrigerated pie crusts, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before unrolling.

2. Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin slices. Toss them in a large mixing bowl with lemon juice to prevent browning.

3. Make the filling: In a separate bowl, mix together the sugar, brown sugar, flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Sprinkle this mixture over the apples and toss to coat evenly. Add vanilla extract and stir to combine.

4. Assemble the pie: Place one pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it into the bottom. Pour the apple mixture into the pie shell, and then dot the filling with butter pieces. Place the second pie crust on top, and crimp the edges to seal the pie. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.

5. Bake the pie: Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the crust begins to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil.

6. Cool and serve: Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before slicing to allow the filling to set. Serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence!

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Whether you’re celebrating with family or friends, traveling far or staying close to home, Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the good in our lives. So, as you enjoy the day, remember to cherish the memories you create, eat plenty of delicious food (especially that pie!), and share your gratitude with those around you.

Happy Thanksgiving!