The ClaimLinx office will close early at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, November 27th, and remain closed through Friday, November 29th, to allow our team to celebrate Thanksgiving with their friends and families. We will respond to all inquiries promptly when we return.
We wish all our clients and members a joyful holiday with loved ones. Our team will be indulging in a feast of turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberries, stuffing, macaroni, and cheese, and more!
How will you be spending your Thanksgiving? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram by tagging @ClaimLinx.
While the office corridors may be silent, the Thanksgiving holiday speaks volumes about tradition, history, and community. Let us dive into some fascinating facts about Thanksgiving that might just make your holiday a little more memorable.
1. The First Thanksgiving Wasn’t Just a Day
The “First Thanksgiving” in 1621 was not a single meal but a three-day harvest celebration shared between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people. Far from the turkey dinners we enjoy today, the menu included venison, seafood, corn, and various wildfowl—not pumpkin pie or cranberry sauce. This feast symbolized cooperation and gratitude; a sentiment we continue to honor each year.
2. Abraham Lincoln Made It Official
Thanksgiving as a national holiday was not formalized until 1863. Amid the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation declaring the last Thursday of November as a day of “Thanksgiving and Praise.” He intended to bring the nation together during one of its most divided times, a reminder of the unifying power of gratitude.
3. A Presidential Turkey Pardon
One of the more amusing modern traditions is the annual presidential turkey pardon. This quirky ceremony officially began with President George H.W. Bush in 1989, though reports suggest turkeys had been spared informally for decades. Every year, one lucky turkey (and its alternate) gets a reprieve from the dinner table and often retires to a farm or sanctuary.
4. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Is a Century-Old
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, a staple of holiday morning television, debuted in 1924. Originally featuring live animals borrowed from the Central Park Zoo, it has since evolved into a grand spectacle of massive balloons, elaborate floats, and live performances. Over 3.5 million spectators line the streets of New York City annually, while millions more tune in from their homes.
5. Turkey Is not the Star for Everyone
While turkey is synonymous with Thanksgiving for many Americans, alternatives are becoming increasingly popular. From vegetarian “Tofurkeys” to international dishes like lasagna or tamales, families are putting their own cultural and dietary twists on the traditional feast. Wild turkey populations once dwindled so low in the U.S. that they might not have been a feasible centerpiece for early celebrations.
6. Thanksgiving: A Travel Extravaganza
Thanksgiving is the busiest travel period of the year in the United States. According to AAA, millions of Americans hit the roads, rails, and skies to celebrate with loved ones. The day before Thanksgiving is notorious for packed highways and airports, as people make the trek home for their slice of turkey and pie.
Celebrating Gratitude and Connection On Thanksgiving
As the office remains closed, and we savor this extended break, these Thanksgiving tidbits serve as a reminder of the holiday’s richness beyond the dinner table. It is not just about food; it is about connection, gratitude, and the stories we share. Enjoy the holiday and remember—there is always something to be thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving!