Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and feasting and has long been a source of inspiration for authors. 

From heartwarming tales to historical fiction, the holiday has woven its way into the very fabric of literature. We can look into the historical context of Thanksgiving and explore how some famous authors have celebrated this special day and provide some recommendations along the way!

A Brief History of Thanksgiving
While the exact origins of Thanksgiving are debated, the holiday we celebrate today is often traced back to the 1621 harvest feast shared by English colonists and Wampanoag Native Americans in Plymouth, Massachusetts. This event, marking the survival of the colonists through their first harsh winter, has become a symbol of unity and gratitude, embracing the Native American philosophy of giving without expecting anything in return.  Popularised in New England by the late 1660s, it is now a national holiday celebrated on various dates in October and November in the United States, Canada, Saint Lucia, Liberia, and unofficially in countries like Brazil, Germany, and the Philippines.

Authors and Thanksgiving
Many authors have drawn inspiration from the Thanksgiving tradition, using it as a backdrop for their stories or as a personal reflection, including the renowned US authors Nathaniel Hawthorne, Louisa May Alcott and Maya Angelou:
•    Nathaniel Hawthorne: As a New Englander, Hawthorne was well-acquainted with the historical significance of Thanksgiving. His stories often explore themes of Puritanism, morality, and the complexities of human nature, which are all relevant to the Thanksgiving tradition.
•    Louisa May Alcott: Alcott's beloved novel, Little Women, captures the spirit of family and togetherness, which is central to Thanksgiving celebrations. The March sisters' annual Thanksgiving dinners are heartwarming scenes that resonate with readers of all ages.
•    Maya Angelou: Angelou's autobiographical works often touch on themes of family, community, and resilience. Her writings reflect the importance of gratitude and the power of human connection, which are essential elements of Thanksgiving.

Would you like to read more titles that explore the common Thanksgiving theme of family?  Then consider adding these to your reading list:

•    Beneath the Shelter of an Ancient Tree by David Brown

A voyage of family discovery reveals poverty and imprisonment in the West Country; the development of new trades in the Industrial Revolution; a Rabbi who doubles up as a pawnbroker; and middle-class prosperity and tragedy in the Birmingham jewellery trade. Starting with only minimal knowledge of widely dispersed ancestors this journey tracks down ancient relatives from Wales, the West Riding of Yorkshire, Somerset, Dorset, Poland, and Russia. Two mayors make fleeting appearances (one in Gloucester, the other in Moonee Ponds, Melbourne). One great uncle is found to have designed the iconic gantries in the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast where the Titanic was built. A great, great, great grandfather has questions to answer about the treatment of child labour in his Calderdale spinning mill. Starting in the late 18th century Beneath the Shelter of an Ancient Tree catalogues how and where these diverse characters lived, how they made their living, and the ups and downs of family fortunes. It comments on some of the pivotal moments that affected their progress, and draws on contemporary sources, some family memoirs, and genealogical records to build a picture of how working people and artisans gradually – throughout the Victorian era – improved their lot in life.

•    The Only Child by Jo-Ann Ong

Christian is the epitome of the modern working youth who goes out with the love of his life, Yolanda. He finds meaning in the realm of family relationships, where he reconnects with his half-sister Amelia on a holiday to Sweden. Through his working relationship, he meets his boss, who is his uncle when he works as a scientist. As he gains in popularity with his acting career, he is able to forge his career as a scientist too at the same time. The book emphasizes the importance of real day romance and family relationships in a modern working world.

•    There are no Doors by Elizabeth Berns 

There Are No Doors is about a family’s journey through life; the sacrifices, joys, and dreams that carry them through several generations and four countries, and how they face each other and their challenges: with love, anger, humour, and empathy. There are no doors that are closed to the human spirit.

•    Reinforcing the Meeks Family Bubble, Against People with Sharp Pins by Hilary Ewen 

Mr. Meeks is practically giddy: he’s finally won back the woman of his dreams. Together, they embark on a brand-new adventure, continually adding joy to their close-knit family bubble. Mr. Meeks, once doubtful he’d ever know the joys of fatherhood, now finds himself relishing the unexpected bliss of being both a father and a grandfather. Life for the Meeks Family is brimming with good fortune: from a lucky raffle win to a swiftly expanding business, and from rediscovering a forgotten holiday home to uncovering the spoils of a long-ago bank robbery. Yet, amidst the highs, life throws its challenges their way. Three funerals and a rushed wedding leave the family clinging to each other for support, navigating the waves of emotion together. Through it all, the Meeks Family exemplifies love, honour, and remembrance for those no longer with them while eagerly supporting those yet to come. This heartwarming tale is a celebration of life, love, and family – a poignant reminder to cherish what we have and to hold tight to those we love, never letting go. 

•    The Dublin Marilyn by Jackie Devoy

The Dublin Marilyn transports readers back to 1960-80s Dublin through one girl’s coming-of-age amongst struggling inner-city families. Capturing the era of booming post-war ‘Baby Boomers,’ this nostalgic tale highlights the tight-knit community binding battling neighbourhoods together. Despite poverty and hardship, an unbreakable solidarity reigned - with helping hands extended whenever crises hit, and no pretensions of anyone being better than the next. Stitching tales steeped in humour and heart, the story unfolds in the lyrical lilt of working-class Dublin speech from a vanished time. Whether reconnecting older readers to bygone memories or shocking younger minds with harsher lives, The Dublin Marilyn pays tribute to the humour and resilience of cities past. With evocative images complementing the rich narrative, immerse yourself in yesteryear’s vibrant streets – where community meant family and family meant everything. 

How Authors Celebrate Thanksgiving Today
While the specific traditions of modern authors may vary, many share a common desire to spend time with family and loved ones, enjoy good food, and give thanks. Some may choose to write, read, or simply relax during the holiday. Others may participate in volunteer work or charitable activities, reflecting the spirit of giving back.
Whether they're penning a new novel, sharing a heartfelt story, or simply enjoying a quiet moment of gratitude, regardless of how they choose to celebrate, it's clear that Thanksgiving holds a special place in the hearts of authors. It's a time for reflection, gratitude, and inspiration that fuels their creativity.

“Be present in all things and thankful for all things.”  Maya Angelou

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