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Thanksgiving Facts

• The first Macy's Parade in 1924 was called the "Macy's Christmas Day Parade" although it took place on Thanksgiving Day.

• In 1927, Macy's introduces the world famous giant helium balloons. The first balloons included Felix the Cat and Toy Soldier.

• Santa Claus has ended the Macys's Parade every year except 1933, the only year in which he led the parade.

• In 1989, the Macy's Parade marched through its very first snowstorm.

• The Detroit Lions of the American National Football League have hosted a game every Thanksgiving Day since 1934, with the exception of 1939–44 (due to World War II). 

• The Dallas Cowboys have hosted every Thanksgiving Day since 1966, with the exception of 1975 and 1977 when the then-St. Louis Cardinals hosted.

• Since 1863, Thanksgiving has been observed annually in the United States.

• Beginning in 1947, the National Turkey Federation has presented the President of the United States with one live turkey and two dressed turkeys. The live turkey is pardoned and lives out the rest of its days on a peaceful farm.

• At one time, the turkey and the bald eagle were each considered as the national symbol of America.

• According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, more than 45 million turkeys are cooked and eaten in the U.S. at Thanksgiving—that's one sixth of all turkeys sold in the U.S. each year.

• Age is a determining factor in taste. Old, large males are preferable to young toms (males) as tom meat is stringy. The opposite is true for females: old hens are tougher birds.

• Recent studies suggest that carbohydrate-rich meals may cause sleepiness by increasing the number of tryptophans in the brain.

• A 15-pound turkey typically has about 70 percent white meat and 30 percent dark meat.

• White meat has fewer calories and less fat than dark meat.

How To Set A Holiday Table

If you are wondering which utensil to use first, always use the outside one and work in. 

For example, the soup spoon is on the outside.

This guide might have more plates and silverware than you wish. If so, use the above plan, but leave out what you do not use.

The setting for young eaters will be simpler.

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