Why Thanksgiving Feels Late This Year: A Midwest Perspective

Thanksgiving, a cherished American holiday, is traditionally celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. While the date changes yearly, you might notice that Thanksgiving 2024 falls later in the month compared to last year. This shift is due to how the calendar aligns with the day of the week, as Thanksgiving is tied to a specific weekday rather than a fixed date, something I think many of us including myself would like.

The Gregorian calendar we use consists of 365 days in a year (366 during a leap year), which doesn’t divide evenly into the seven-day week. This mismatch causes dates to “shift” forward by one day every year, or two days after a leap year. For example, if Thanksgiving fell on November 23 one year, it would likely fall on November 22 the next, and November 21 the following year, depending on leap year timing.

DO YOU WISH THANKSGIVING WAS THE SAME DATE EVERY YEAR?

In 2024, the first day of November is a Friday, pushing the fourth Thursday, and thus Thanksgiving, to November 28—the latest possible date it can fall. By comparison, in years when November begins on a Wednesday or Thursday, Thanksgiving occurs earlier, such as November 22 or 23.

THE LATER THANKSGIVING HAS SOME INTERESTING EFFECTS.

Retailers get fewer shopping days between Thanksgiving and Christmas, making the holiday season feel a bit more compressed. However, families benefit from extra days in November to prepare for the big feast or travel to reunite with loved ones.

WHAT KIDS IN 1973 WANTED FOR CHRISTMAS!

Whether early or late, Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, delicious food, and spending quality moments with those we care about. So, mark your calendars for November 28, 2024, and enjoy this slightly delayed—but still delightful—holiday!

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