Is Thanksgiving a religious holiday?
No. Thanksgiving is a national holiday, not a religious one, though it began with presidents calling for a day of thanks and prayer.Since 1941 it has been the fourth Thursday in November by law. Americans of every faith and none celebrate it, each in their own way. That’s why it’s one of the easiest holidays to share with any neighbor.
1 · MindWhat people believe, and how they know
George Washington proclaimed the first national Thanksgiving for November 26, 1789, as “a day of public thanksgiving and prayer.” In 1863 Abraham Lincoln set it on the last Thursday in November. In 1939 Franklin Roosevelt moved it a week earlier, which split the country between two dates. In December 1941 Roosevelt signed the law that made the fourth Thursday in November the federal Thanksgiving holiday.
The early proclamations used religious language, and many families still say grace. But the holiday belongs to no single faith. Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and people with no religion all sit down to Thanksgiving dinner, and many add their own touches.
For many Native families, the holiday carries a more complicated history. Neighbor Radio has a separate answer about that.
What each tradition or community says
Many families of faith see Thanksgiving as a natural fit for gratitude to God, and may pray or say grace before the meal in their own tradition.
For many nonreligious families, Thanksgiving is about gratitude to the people around the table. Going around and saying what you’re thankful for needs no religion at all.
For many immigrant families, the first Thanksgiving is a milestone: the meal where they began to feel this was home. Many add dishes from where their family comes from.
2 · HeartWhat it feels like
Thanksgiving may be the one day when the whole country does almost the same thing at the same time: sit down, eat and say thank you.
That makes it a good day to invite a neighbor who’s new, alone or far from family.
Thanksgiving doesn’t ask what you believe. It just asks you to pull up a chair.Neighbor Radio
3 · HandsHow to be a good neighbor
If you’re hosting guests of different faiths, ask about food ahead of time. A vegetarian main dish, a turkey without pork-based stuffing, and alcohol-free drinks cover most needs.
If your family says grace, it’s kind to tell guests what to expect. Inviting everyone to share one thing they’re grateful for works for all faiths and none.
Know someone spending the day alone? An invitation, even just for dessert, is a big deal.
This weekInvite one person this year who wouldn’t otherwise have a table to sit at.
Plain wordsWhat do these words mean?
Four questions to take with you
From the story of the Good Samaritan, the stranger who stopped to help. We call it the Good Neighbor Test.
- Did they see? Or look right past?
- Did they stop? Even when it was inconvenient?
- Did it cost them? Time, money, comfort, reputation?
- Did they treat the person like a person? Not like a label?
Try it on: the neighbor with no table to sit at on the fourth Thursday of November.
Quick questions
Do Muslims celebrate Thanksgiving?
Many American Muslims do, with halal turkey or other dishes. It’s a national holiday, not a religious one.
Why is Thanksgiving always on a Thursday?
Presidents set it on a Thursday from the start, and a 1941 law fixed it as the fourth Thursday in November.
Is it OK to say grace with guests of other faiths?
Usually, yes, if guests aren’t asked to join in. A quick heads-up helps, and some families invite everyone to share a word of thanks in their own way.
Fact-checked October 15, 2026 against National Archives. Written in plain words by the Neighbor Radio team. Every fact is checked against what each community says about itself, in its own official sources, plus a neutral reference. Part of this community and something doesn't sound like you, or spot a mistake? Tell us. We read every note and fix mistakes.
Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for in doing so, some have entertained angels without knowing it.