The Pilgrims held the first Thanksgiving Day at Plymouth in 1621—but not until 1863 did the holiday become an annual event. One woman, Sarah Josepha Hale, editor of Godey’s Lady's Book, had campaigned long and hard among her readers for a Thanksgiving holiday....

My grandparents were hosting their annual Thanksgiving Dinner, and I wanted to bring an offering for the table that meant something, that connected me to these people and that place. I decided to bring bread pudding. Bread pudding isn’t traditionally served for celebrations....

Giving is a powerful means for families to counteract the consumerism that slams us this time of year.

L.L. here. Thinking about Thanksgiving. Remembering a book I just had to read. Because my cousin-in-law (is there such a thing?) did the cover illustration. The book is about a young woman who braves prairie life to secure government-offered land. I won’t tell you whether she wins or loses the fields, but I will l tell you: she sure faced hard times....