why is thanksgiving so late this year 2024: Thanksgiving is one of those beloved holidays that brings family and friends together around the table for a day of gratitude, food, and togetherness. But in 2024, you might be wondering why Thanksgiving feels so late this year. If you’re used to planning around late November for Black Friday deals, holiday prep, or traveling home, the delay could feel a little puzzling. Let’s break down why Thanksgiving is so late in 2024 and explore what this shift means for the rest of the holiday season.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Basics of Thanksgiving’s Timing
why is thanksgiving so late this year 2024: Thanksgiving has been celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November since President Franklin D. Roosevelt officially set the holiday date in 1939. Before this, Thanksgiving was celebrated on the last Thursday of November, which wasn’t always the fourth Thursday. But the change to a standard fourth Thursday in November created more consistency. This calendar shift also allowed more shopping days before Christmas, which retailers supported.
why is thanksgiving so late this year 2024: However, the fourth Thursday placement means Thanksgiving can fall between November 22 and November 28, depending on the year. In 2024, Thanksgiving lands on November 28, which is the latest it can be. This “late Thanksgiving” is a result of how the Thursdays align within the month, creating a unique calendar pattern that sometimes pushes Thanksgiving close to the end of November.
Why Is Thanksgiving So Late This Year?
why is thanksgiving so late this year 2024: Thanksgiving in 2024 is unusually late because November starts on a Friday. When the first day of November is a Friday, the first Thursday falls on November 7. Counting four Thursdays from that date lands us on November 28, making Thanksgiving fall on its latest possible date. This pattern only happens every few years, and the last time Thanksgiving was on November 28 was in 2019.
To illustrate this more clearly, here’s a simple breakdown of the 2024 November calendar:
| Week | Thursday Date | Thursday Count |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | November 7 | First Thursday |
| Week 2 | November 14 | Second Thursday |
| Week 3 | November 21 | Third Thursday |
| Week 4 | November 28 | Fourth Thursday (Thanksgiving) |
The Impact of a Late Thanksgiving
why is thanksgiving so late this year 2024: When Thanksgiving falls later in the month, it can have a ripple effect on everything from retail sales to family holiday schedules. Here’s how the late date in 2024 is expected to influence some common areas:
1. Holiday Shopping and Black Friday
why is thanksgiving so late this year 2024: With Thanksgiving on November 28, Black Friday—the traditional holiday shopping kickoff—will also be late. This shortens the window between Black Friday and Christmas, squeezing the shopping season into fewer days. Retailers often prepare for this by launching sales earlier, especially online. So, while Black Friday’s date doesn’t change, expect many stores to roll out deals earlier in the month to make up for the shorter post-Thanksgiving shopping period.
2. Holiday Travel and Logistics
why is thanksgiving so late this year 2024: A late Thanksgiving could mean a busier holiday travel season, as families try to fit Thanksgiving gatherings into their schedules without cutting into December plans. Airlines and transit companies sometimes see surges in bookings for both Thanksgiving and early December travel, and with Christmas only three weeks after Thanksgiving this year, the travel industry could be especially busy.
3. Christmas and New Year’s Preparations
why is thanksgiving so late this year 2024: Some people find that a late Thanksgiving compresses holiday preparations, including decorating, baking, and planning. When Thanksgiving falls at the end of November, it can feel like there’s less time to shift into Christmas mode. With only 26 days between Thanksgiving and Christmas in 2024, expect to see holiday decorations and festive events popping up immediately after Thanksgiving.
How Often Does a Late Thanksgiving Happen?
why is thanksgiving so late this year 2024: Thanksgiving on November 28 isn’t a once-in-a-lifetime event, but it’s also not an every-year occurrence. This pattern follows a cycle influenced by how the Gregorian calendar handles leap years and month start days. Here’s a look at Thanksgiving’s latest dates over the last few years and future years:
| Year | Thanksgiving Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | November 28 | Previous late Thanksgiving |
| 2024 | November 28 | Current late Thanksgiving |
| 2030 | November 28 | Next late Thanksgiving |
This pattern can also vary depending on how leap years play out in the future, but for now, you can expect Thanksgiving on the 28th to occur every 5-6 years or so.
FAQs on Thanksgiving Timing
Below are some frequently asked questions about Thanksgiving’s date and timing.
Q1: Why does Thanksgiving fall on a Thursday?
Thanksgiving was traditionally celebrated on different days across states before it became a federal holiday in 1863. President Abraham Lincoln set a precedent by declaring the last Thursday of November as Thanksgiving. Later, it was moved to the fourth Thursday by President Roosevelt to stabilize the holiday schedule.
Q2: How does Thanksgiving’s timing affect Black Friday?
Black Friday always falls the day after Thanksgiving, so a late Thanksgiving means Black Friday is also late. This reduces the shopping days between Black Friday and Christmas, potentially creating a shorter but busier holiday shopping season.
Q3: Is a late Thanksgiving better or worse for retailers?
It can be challenging, as there are fewer shopping days in the lead-up to Christmas. However, many retailers prepare by starting sales earlier and promoting deals throughout November to avoid a last-minute shopping rush.
Q4: How does Thanksgiving’s timing impact the travel industry?
why is thanksgiving so late this year 2024: A late Thanksgiving often creates a busier travel season, as there’s a narrow gap between Thanksgiving and the December holidays. Travelers are likely to encounter higher prices and fuller flights as many people try to fit both Thanksgiving and December travel into their schedules.
Q5: Why doesn’t Thanksgiving have a fixed date?
Thanksgiving’s date was originally flexible, with each state choosing its date. The federal law changed this in 1941, fixing Thanksgiving as the fourth Thursday in November. This designation provided consistency but also means Thanksgiving’s exact date can vary within the last week of November.
Q6: Will Thanksgiving always stay on the fourth Thursday of November?
As of now, the fourth Thursday of November is the federally recognized date for Thanksgiving in the United States. Any change would require new legislation, which is unlikely given the longstanding tradition and established benefits of a stable holiday schedule.
Q7: How does a late Thanksgiving affect school and work schedules?
Some schools and workplaces may adjust their calendars to accommodate the holiday season, but for most, the fourth Thursday remains a fixed day off. Schools typically align their breaks with Thanksgiving regardless of the specific date.
Wrapping It Up: What to Expect for Thanksgiving 2024
why is thanksgiving so late this year 2024: This year’s late Thanksgiving on November 28 means the holiday season will feel more compressed, but it doesn’t have to be a negative thing. With a bit of planning and early shopping, it’s still possible to enjoy a full season of festivities, even with a slightly shorter timeframe between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Embrace the extended anticipation, plan travel early if possible, and expect stores to offer sales throughout November to accommodate the tighter shopping schedule.
why is thanksgiving so late this year 2024: A late Thanksgiving can also feel like an extra reminder to cherish each gathering with loved ones and appreciate every holiday moment that November and December offer. Whether you’re hosting a big dinner or simply enjoying a day of relaxation, Thanksgiving 2024 is sure to be memorable, even if it’s arriving a little later than usual.