1. What is Thanksgiving Date Calculation?

Thanksgiving in the United States is a federal holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November each year. This calculation determines the exact date of Thanksgiving for any given year.

2. How is Thanksgiving Date Determined?

The calculation follows this algorithm:

Steps:

• Start with November 1st of the target year
• Find the first Thursday in November
• Add 3 weeks to get the fourth Thursday

3. Historical Context

Details: Thanksgiving was formally established as a national holiday by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. The date was fixed to the fourth Thursday of November by Congress in 1941.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Simply enter any year between 1800-2100 to calculate the date of Thanksgiving for that year. The calculator will display the exact date of Thanksgiving in the format "November XX, YYYY".

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Has Thanksgiving always been on the fourth Thursday?
A: No, before 1941, Thanksgiving was traditionally the last Thursday of November. The current rule was established by federal law in 1941.

Q2: Can Thanksgiving ever fall on November 30th?
A: Yes, when November has five Thursdays, Thanksgiving falls on the fourth Thursday, which can be as late as November 28th-30th.

Q3: Is this calculation accurate for all years?
A: This calculation is accurate for years after 1941 when the current rule was established. For earlier years, different rules may apply.

Q4: How does this affect Black Friday?
A: Black Friday always follows Thanksgiving, occurring the next day (Friday).

Q5: Do other countries celebrate Thanksgiving on the same date?
A: No, Canada celebrates Thanksgiving on the second Monday of October. Other countries have different thanksgiving celebrations on various dates.