What Is Thanksgiving? The Date, the Meal and Sending Cards from the UK
What is Thanksgiving? The date, the meal and sending a card from the UK
Thanksgiving is marked on the fourth Thursday in November in the United States, and on the second Monday in October in Canada. It is a family meal rather than a gift occasion, and it is the busiest travel week of the American year.
It matters here mainly if you have family, friends or colleagues in the States. A card posted from the UK needs a good two weeks to be safe, so it is worth thinking about in early November.
Here is what the day is, what happens on it, and what to write if you're sending something across.
Thank you cards to send across
Designed in house, printed in the UK and posted with a kraft envelope.
Two's A Couple, Three's A Family (Guinness Congrats On The New Baby Card)
£3.87
Only The Best Dads Get Promoted To Grandad (Friends Themed Cards)
£3.87
Only The Best Mums Get Promoted To Nanny (Friends Themed Cards)
£3.87
Only The Best Friends Get Promoted To Aunty (Friends Themed Cards)
£3.87
Only The Best Friends Get Promoted To Uncle (Friends Themed Cards)
£3.87
Only The Best Sisters Get Promoted To Aunty (Friends Themed Cards)
£3.87
Only The Best Friends Get Promoted To Aunty (Floral Pregnancy Announcement Card)
£3.87
Only The Best Friends Get Promoted To Aunty (Pregnancy Announcement Card)
£3.87
The dates
- United States: the fourth Thursday in November. Shop this card
- Canada: the second Monday in October. Shop this card
- The Friday after is Black Friday, the start of the US shopping season. Shop this card
- Post from the UK around two weeks ahead for international delivery. Shop this card
What actually happens
- A large lunch or early dinner: turkey, stuffing, sweet potato, pumpkin pie. Shop this card
- Family travel, often long distance, to eat together. Shop this card
- American football on the television all afternoon. Shop this card
- Going round the table saying what you're thankful for. Shop this card
- Leftovers, eaten in sandwich form for several days. Shop this card
What to write in a Thanksgiving card
- Thinking of you all today and wishing we could be round the table too. Shop this card
- Happy Thanksgiving. Save us some pie. Shop this card
- Grateful for you this year, even from a few thousand miles away. Shop this card
- Happy Thanksgiving to the whole family — have a brilliant one. Shop this card
- Wishing you a house full of people and a very full plate. Shop this card
Cards for family
Warm designs for the people you'd rather be with.
Top Trumps 60th Birthday Card for Dad
£3.87
Top Trumps 90th Birthday Card for Dad
£3.87
Two's A Couple, Three's A Family (Guinness Congrats On The New Baby Card)
£3.87
Top Trumps 80th Birthday Card for Dad
£3.87
Top Trumps 65th Birthday Card for Dad
£3.87
Top Trumps 70th Birthday Card for Dad
£3.87
That's What I Call Old (Funny Dad Happy Birthday Card)
£3.87
You Don't Look A Day Over 79 (80th Birthday Card for Dad)
£3.87
You Don't Look A Day Over 89 (90th Birthday Card for Dad)
£3.87
Happy Birthday, Dad! (Guinness Happy Birthday Card)
£3.87
Happy Birthday Card For The World's Best Step Dad
£3.87
My Dad Is My Hero Fathers Day Card
£3.87
How to write it so it lands
- Send a thank you card rather than a themed one; it travels better.
- Write the address in the US format, with the state abbreviation and ZIP code.
- Post by mid-November for the fourth Thursday.
Where to shop next
Frequently asked questions
When is Thanksgiving?
The fourth Thursday in November in the United States, and the second Monday in October in Canada.
Is Thanksgiving celebrated in the UK?
Not traditionally. Some families with American connections mark it, and a growing number of restaurants run a Thanksgiving menu.
How early should I post a Thanksgiving card to the US?
Around two weeks ahead. Posting in the first half of November gives international post enough room.