HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Every year in the United States on the fourth Thursday of November families gather for a day of giving thanks, feasting, and family time. Thanksgiving is a National holiday which is set aside to give thanks for the many blessings you have received in the past year and the ones you have to look forward to in the year to come. The history of Thanksgiving Day dates all the way back to 1621 when a group known as the Pilgrims sailed from Europe to America on a ship named the Mayflower; they were seeking religious freedom. While the new American settlers in Plymouth, Massachusetts, tried to establish colonies, they endured great hardships. The local Indians, the Wampanoag Tribe, saw the Pilgrims in desperate need of food and shelter. Being a friendly and gracious tribe, they aided the colonists by teaching them how to harvest the local lands and build shelters from local materials. Because of the generosity of the Indians, the settlers were able to survive the Winter. The Wampanoag Tribe had a ritual which they performed five times a year. They would gather together over a large feast to celebrate and give thanks for their many blessings. To thank the tribe for all their help, the Pilgrims prepared a feast in the Wampanoag Tribe’s honor. The Pilgrims and the Indians dined together. This was the very first Thanksgiving dinner, and it has become an American tradition. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving Day a National holiday.

Follow the directions to make your own no-bake pumpkin pie.

You will need: Graham crackers, canned pumpkin pie filling, marshmallow creme, whipped cream, cinnamon, small bowls, spoons.

Step One: Take the graham crackers and line the bottom of the bowls with them. You may also use mini storebought graham cracker pie shells.

Step Two: Mix 1 cup of pumpkin pie filling with 1/2 cup marshmallow creme. Add a sprinkle of the cinnamon.

Step Three: Place mixture on top of the graham crackers.

Step Four: If desired, ask an adult to microwave your pie for 10-15 seconds until warm. Then add whipped cream and enjoy! Be sure to place any leftovers in the refrigerator.

Turkey Day Sudoku

Using the Thanksgiving symbols shown below, complete the puzzle. You are to have one of each of the six symbols in each vertical and horizontal row, as well as only one of each of the symbols in each of the six bold box areas. Check your answers.

Cornucopia, Dressing, Friendship, Gravy, Indians, Massachusetts, Mayflower, New World, Pilgrims, Plymouth, Potatoes, Pumpkin Pie, Settlers, Survival, Thankful, Thanksgiving, Turkey, Wampanoag, Winter