Thanksgiving Trivia

Front

What professional football team has played almost every Thanksgiving since 1934?

Back

Detroit Lions

Answer explanation

The Lions have played during the Thanksgiving holidays since 1934 except during WW2. The Dallas Cowboys have joined the tradition of playing every Thanksgiving since 1966 (except in 1975 and 1977).

Front

What did President Calvin Coolidge famously receive as a Thanksgiving gift?

Back

A live raccoon

Answer explanation

In November 1926, Vinnie Joyce of Mississippi sent President Coolidge a live raccoon to be served as Thanksgiving dinner! However, the President thought the furry animal was cute, so he instead adopted it as a pet and named it Rebecca.

Front

Which President refused to declare Thanksgiving a holiday?

Back

Thomas Jefferson

Answer explanation

Presidents originally had to declare Thanksgiving a holiday each year... however, Jefferson refused to recognize the event as a national holiday since it involved prayer and reflection. He thought it would violate the First Amendment if he declared it as a national holiday.

Front

Which President changed the date of Thanksgiving to the 3rd Thursday of November instead of the 4th Thursday?

Back

Roosevelt

Answer explanation

During the Great Depression, President Roosevelt thought that if he could increase the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas, it would give people more shopping days and it would boost the economy. People were actually angry since it messed up calendars and many scheduled events.

Front

How many turkeys do Americans prepare each Thanksgiving?

Back

46 million turkeys

Answer explanation

46 million turkeys during Thanksgiving... 22 million turkeys during Christmas... and 19 million during Easter.

Front

What percentage of Americans actually eat turkey on Thanksgiving?

Back

88%

Front

Do turkeys actually gobble?

Back

Only male turkeys gobble.

Answer explanation

Male turkeys "gobble gobble" and female turkeys "cackle".

Front

How much pumpkin pie do Americans eat every Thanksgiving?

Back

50 million pies

Answer explanation

According to the American Pie Council, more Americans actually like Apple Pie better - Pumpkin Pie comes in second place.

Front

What is the busiest day of the year for plumbers?

Back

The day after Thanksgiving.

Answer explanation

Reports indicate that the day after Thanksgiving, more calls are received to repair kitchen drains, garbage disposals and toilets than any other day of the year.

Front

What day is honored every last Thursday in November?

Back

National Day of Mourning

Answer explanation

Since 1970, many people honor the Native Americans who lost their lives because of disease and fighting brought to the New World by the Europeans. After the "First Thanksgiving" war and conflict between the Native Americans and Colonists resulted in the deaths of millions of Native people or their isolation in Reservations.