Thanksgiving season is a time of gratitude, generosity, and connection. Families and friends gather to share a special meal and give thanks for the blessings of the year. As this warm holiday rolls around, it also ushers in the frenzied start of the shopping season, with Black Friday and Cyber Monday offering big deals right before the year-end. In this guide, we’ll explore what Thanksgiving is all about (including Thanksgiving 2025’s date, meaning, and global celebrations), and then dive into smart “sending” tips, from saving money on Black Friday bargains to supporting loved ones abroad through platforms like sendvalu. By combining the spirit of gratitude with savvy financial planning, you can make the most of the holidays for yourself and your community.

Thanksgiving 2025: Meaning, History, and Traditions

Thanksgiving Day is a national holiday celebrated in the United States each autumn, centered on giving thanks for the harvest and the year’s blessings. In 2025, Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 27. The tradition dates back to the early colonial era: famously, in 1621, English Pilgrims at Plymouth Colony shared a harvest feast with the Wampanoag people, an event often cited as the “first Thanksgiving” in American history. For over two centuries afterward, various colonies and states held their own days of thanks. It wasn’t until 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day each November, cementing the holiday’s place in U.S. culture.

Today, Thanksgiving’s cultural meaning centers on gratitude, family, and generosity. The heart of the celebration is a plentiful Thanksgiving dinner shared with loved ones. Traditional dishes date back to New England harvest times, most famously roast turkey, along with stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, and other regional favorites. People often travel long distances to be with family for the holiday. Around the table, it’s common for everyone to express what they’re thankful for before digging in. Beyond feasting, other customs have grown around Thanksgiving: many attend religious services or say prayers of thanks, volunteers serve meals to the less fortunate, and towns host festive parades (the Macy’s Parade in New York City is an iconic example). Thanksgiving football games on TV are a newer tradition that brings families together on the couch.

Importantly, Thanksgiving also embodies generosity and community spirit. Charities and churches across the country organize free dinners for those in need on Thanksgiving, emphasizing that it’s a day to share our abundance and care for others. This spirit of giving and togetherness transcends borders and has helped Thanksgiving become meaningful not just to Americans but to people around the world who resonate with its message.

Thanksgiving Around the World

While Thanksgiving originated in the United States, celebrations of gratitude and harvest are observed in various forms across numerous countries. Several nations (or communities within them) have their own “Thanksgiving” holidays or similar festivals, even if they fall on different dates or have unique historical roots. Here are some notable examples of regions and countries that celebrate Thanksgiving (or an equivalent) around the world:

• United States: Celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November (a federal holiday). In 2025, that’s November 27, 2025. Americans mark the day with family feasts, giving thanks, and charitable outreach. It’s often simply called “Thanksgiving Day,” and is the best-known version of the holiday globally.
• Canada: Celebrates Thanksgiving on the second Monday of October each year (earlier than the U.S.). Canadians also enjoy a turkey dinner and a day off to express gratitude for the harvest and blessings. Canada’s tradition evolved separately (tracing back to an Arctic expedition’s Thanksgiving in 1578), but today it looks very similar to the American holiday.
• Liberia: This West African nation (founded by freed American slaves in the 19th century) is one of the only countries to observe Thanksgiving as an official national holiday akin to the U.S. model. It’s held on the first Thursday of November and features church services of thanks and communal feasting, often with dishes like mashed cassava and green bean casserole alongside local foods. The Liberian Thanksgiving reflects the American influence on the country’s origins.
• Grenada: The Caribbean island of Grenada celebrates Thanksgiving Day on October 25. Uniquely, this holiday commemorates the anniversary of the 1983 U.S.-led intervention that helped restore order after a political crisis. It’s a more historical and political observance; while it’s a public holiday, many Grenadians today only vaguely associate it with the event. Nonetheless, ceremonies are held to give thanks for the return of peace.
• Japan: Japan observes Labor Thanksgiving Day (Kinrō Kansha no Hi) every year on November 23. This modern holiday grew out of an ancient harvest festival (Niiname-sai) and today serves to thank workers and celebrate the autumn harvest. People in Japan have the day off, and while they don’t have a turkey feast, the theme of giving thanks for the season’s bounty and hard work is similar in spirit.
• Germany: Many communities in Germany celebrate Erntedankfest, or “harvest thanks festival,” in late September or early October, often on the first Sunday of October. It is primarily a religious and rural tradition, where church services give thanks for the harvest, and parades or fairs might be held in some areas. Foods like harvest crowns of grain, fruits, and baked goods are common. Germany’s celebration isn’t an official day off nationwide, as Thanksgiving is in North America, but it reflects the same gratitude for abundance.
• Norfolk Island (Australia): In a surprising locale far from America, this small island (an Australian territory) has celebrated Thanksgiving since the late 1800s. The tradition was brought by American whaling ship crews and missionaries. Norfolk Island’s Thanksgiving takes place on the last Wednesday of November, and locals prepare a feast that mixes American staples with island cuisine, including an over-the-top array of banana dishes alongside roast meats. The tiny community gathers to decorate churches with produce and enjoy a potluck, showing how Thanksgiving’s spirit can be adopted and adapted in different cultures.

As the above list shows, the idea of setting aside a day to be grateful for the harvest or good fortune is truly global. Similar festivals of thanks exist in many other places as well; for instance, Britain has long had annual harvest home celebrations in churches, and many Asian and African cultures hold post-harvest festivals thanking their deities or ancestors for bounty. And of course, American expatriates living abroad often host their own Thanksgiving dinners, sharing turkey and traditions with international friends. No matter the location or origin story, these observances share a common theme: coming together in appreciation and community.

Gratitude and Generosity Across Borders

At its core, Thanksgiving isn’t just about a meal; it’s about gratitude and generosity. The holiday reminds us to appreciate what we have and to help those who have less. This spirit naturally extends beyond one’s immediate family. In an increasingly interconnected world, many people use the Thanksgiving season to reach out across borders and support loved ones and communities in other countries.

Modern immigration and globalization mean that millions have family members spread around the globe. These folks can’t always join hands at the same table for Thanksgiving, but they still find ways to share support and love from afar. One powerful way is through remittances, sending money or resources back home. In fact, every year, more than 200 million migrants send money to support their families in their home countries, benefiting over 800 million relatives, roughly 1 in 8 people worldwide who rely on these funds. That flow of support, often directed to rural villages or developing regions, pays for essentials like food, housing, education, and healthcare. In many communities, the money sent from abroad is a lifeline that keeps families afloat and even helps entire villages prosper. In this way, the Thanksgiving spirit of sharing blessings lives on through the actions of those who give part of their earnings to improve the lives of others.

Thankfully, sending support overseas has become much easier in recent years. Gone are the days of mailing cash or waiting weeks for a check to clear. The rise of digital money transfer apps and fintech services means help can travel across the world almost instantly. These platforms prioritize speed, security, and low fees, so that more of your gift actually reaches your loved ones. (After all, every dollar saved on transfer fees is a dollar that goes to your family instead.) As an example, sendvalu, a multi-service remittance platform, emphasizes “sharing support and care effortlessly around the world.” Founded in 2006, sendvalu enables fast, affordable transfers to over 140 countries, and it goes beyond traditional money wiring. Users can not only send money internationally with low fees, but also recharge mobile phones abroad and even send digital gift cards to someone across the globe. This means you could top up a cousin’s cellphone minutes in Africa, or email a grocery gift card to a friend in Latin America, all from the same app. Such services illustrate how technology is magnifying our capacity to be generous across distances. With a few taps, you can let far-away family know you’re thinking of them and contribute to their well-being.

Crucially, the idea of “smart sending” isn’t just about wiring money; it’s about being thoughtful in how we give and spend, to maximize the positive impact. Around Thanksgiving and the holidays, smart sending might mean budgeting for charitable donations, getting the best value when shopping for gifts, or choosing to send funds instead of expensive parcels. In the next section, we’ll look at how the post-Thanksgiving shopping rush (Black Friday and Cyber Monday) can be navigated wisely, so that generosity doesn’t turn into financial strain. After all, practicing gratitude should go hand in hand with sound financial habits.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday: From Gratitude to Great Deals

Immediately after Thanksgiving, a very different American tradition takes center stage: shopping. The day following Thanksgiving is known as Black Friday, and it has become an unofficial holiday of its own, a day dedicated to massive retail sales. Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving (always a Friday, of course), and it’s routinely “the busiest shopping day of the year” in the United States. This day began as a way for stores to kick off the Christmas holiday shopping season with big discounts and doorbuster deals, capitalizing on people having the day off. Black Friday 2025 is on Friday, November 28, 2025. Mark your calendar if you’re a bargain-hunter. Traditionally, many U.S. retailers open very early (some even at midnight) and offer limited-time sales that draw huge crowds. It’s not uncommon to see lines of excited shoppers camping out before dawn on Black Friday, hoping to snag a new TV or toy at a deep discount. In fact, Black Friday has become such a cultural phenomenon that many other countries have adopted it too (even if they don’t celebrate Thanksgiving), from the UK to India, retailers worldwide now run “Black Friday” promotions in late November.

Over the years, Black Friday’s influence has expanded beyond just a single day. Retailers realized they could drive sales all weekend, so now the discounts often continue through the weekend and into Cyber Monday. Cyber Monday refers to the Monday immediately after Thanksgiving (in 2025 it falls on December 1 2025), which is dedicated to online shopping deals. The term arose in the mid-2000s when e-commerce was booming, and online retailers found that the Monday after Thanksgiving saw a spike in sales as people jumped on their computers at work to shop for deals they might’ve missed. Today, the whole period from Black Friday through Monday is sometimes called “Cyber Weekend,” filled with both in-store and online bargains. For example, many brick-and-mortar stores discount products on Black Friday, while e-commerce giants like Amazon roll out flash sales through Monday. The result? Consumers enjoy several days of intense promotions on everything from electronics to clothing to travel packages.

While Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer great opportunities to save money, they can also tempt us into overspending on impulse purchases. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of 50% off sales and “limited time only” offers. That’s why it’s important to approach the season with a plan, or what we’re calling smart sending and spending. In the next section, we’ll share tips on how to maximize value during the Black Friday/Cyber Monday frenzy (and the overall holiday season) without breaking your budget. This way, you can take advantage of the generosity of sales while still holding onto the spirit of gratitude (and avoid a financial hangover in January!).

Smart Sending & Money-Saving Tips for the Holiday Season

With the holidays around the corner, it’s wise to get your finances ready. Whether you’re hunting for Black Friday bargains, planning year-end festivities, or sending support to family overseas, a little strategy will help you get the most value out of each dollar. Here are some practical tips for smart spending and “sending” during this Thanksgiving-to-New Year period:

• Set a Holiday Budget (and Stick to It): Before the shopping frenzy begins, take time to plan your budget for the season. Figure out how much you can afford to spend in total without straining your regular expenses or savings goals. Allocate portions of this budget to different categories, gifts, travel, holiday meals, decorations, charitable giving, etc. Having a clear budget acts as a roadmap and will keep you from overspending when temptation strikes. Pro tip: Track your purchases as you go (using a simple spreadsheet or budgeting app) to ensure you’re staying within your limits.
• Shop Smart on Black Friday & Cyber Monday: These big sale days can indeed offer fantastic deals, but only if you approach them wisely. Make a list of priority items you actually need or truly want to gift, and research prices in advance. This way, you’ll know if a “deal” is really a bargain or just hype. When Black Friday (Nov 28, 2025) arrives, focus on the items on your list and try not to get distracted by every flashy sale sign. The same goes for Cyber Monday online. By all means, take advantage of holiday sales events, but keep your spending aligned with your budget. A 70% off deal is not a good deal if it pushes you into debt. Remember, retailers plan to create a sense of urgency; you’ll do best by planning your purchases and avoiding impulse buys.
• Use Discounts, Coupons, and Promotions: One hallmark of the season (beyond store discounts) is the abundance of coupons, promo codes, and special offers available. Stack these on top of sale prices whenever possible. For example, you might find online coupon codes for free shipping or an extra 10% off. Many credit cards offer cashback or bonus rewards during holiday months; consider using those for planned purchases (but be careful not to accrue interest by carrying a balance). Money transfer and bill payment services may also run seasonal promotions: for instance, some apps give fee discounts or bonus credits for first-time users or holiday transactions. We at sendvalu let new users make their first transfer with zero fees, and every month we have an active promotion. Keep an eye out for these deals; they can stretch your dollar further.
• Consider Digital Gifts and Remittances: If you have loved ones abroad, or even across the country, sometimes the most practical and heartfelt gift is to send help directly rather than shipping a physical package. Sending money or a digital gift can save you high mailing costs and ensure the recipient can get what they truly need or want. You might, for example, send a monetary gift through a service like sendvalu, which allows you to quickly transfer money to 140+ countries with low fees. Or, use the platform to send a mobile top-up or an e-gift card instantly, topping up a family member’s phone or emailing them a digital voucher for groceries or retail purchases. This kind of gift is not only convenient and cost-effective, but often deeply appreciated. It empowers your loved one to celebrate as they wish or cover year-end expenses, which can be the greatest gift of all.
• Plan for Year-End Expenses: The holidays come with many extra expenses that are easy to overlook, and they can add up. When budgeting, factor in those “little” costs like gift wrap, holiday cards, and postage, higher utility bills (if you’re hosting guests or lighting up the house), travel expenses, or tips and bonuses for service providers. By anticipating these, you won’t be caught off guard. It’s also a good idea to set aside a small emergency fund for any surprise costs (like an unexpected repair or a last-minute gift you forgot). If you plan to travel in December, booking flights or tickets early can save money too.
• Focus on Experiences Over Pricey Gifts: Remember that the true essence of this season is cherishing time with loved ones and expressing gratitude; it’s not about who gives the most expensive present. If your budget is tight (or even if it’s not), consider creative, low-cost ways to celebrate. For example, organize a potluck dinner or a family game night in lieu of dining out. Give the gift of an experience: a hike together, a homemade meal, a video call if you’re far apart, or a heartfelt letter. Often, these personal gestures mean more than something from a store, and they happen to cost little. You can also start family traditions that don’t revolve around spending, like volunteering at a local charity or preparing care packages for those in need. Such activities embody the Thanksgiving spirit and remind everyone that the holidays are about presence, not just presents.

By following these tips, you’ll strike a healthy balance between celebration and savvy budgeting. You can snag the deals that truly matter, support those you care about, and still head into the New Year with your finances intact. Smart sending is all about being intentional: you direct your resources to where they have the most value, whether that’s buying a meaningful gift at a great price or sending money home where it counts, and avoiding wasteful spending born from momentary temptation.

Keeping Gratitude at the Heart of the Season

From the gratitude of Thanksgiving to the generosity of holiday gifting, late November into December is a season that highlights what matters most: our connections with each other. This year, as Thanksgiving 2025 arrives on November 27, people in the U.S. and beyond will pause to count their blessings and share what they have. Many cultures will do the same in their own ways, proving that thankfulness is a universal language. Then, as the calendar flips to Black Friday and the shopping frenzy begins, we’ll jump at chances to give and receive during the holidays. In all of this, remembering to be thoughtful about where Thanksgiving comes from, about supporting those we love across any distance, and about spending wisely, will make the season all the more rewarding. With a thankful heart and a smart plan in hand, you can embrace the spirit of “gratitude and smart sending” to make Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and beyond truly happy and meaningful for everyone.

Happy Thanksgiving, and happy holidays!

You can stay connected in many meaningful ways during the season. Explore secure money transfers and stay connected with ease, discover fast global mobile top-ups to keep conversations going, or find digital gift cards that make giving thoughtful and simple. Each option helps you share support and care with the people who matter most.

Sources:

History – Thanksgiving 2025: Tradition, Origins & Meaning

Wikipedia – Thanksgiving (United States)

VOA News – Other Countries that Celebrate Thanksgiving

Vox – 5 Countries Besides America Where People Celebrate Thanksgiving

People – It's Official! Amazon’s Black Friday Sale Will Kick Off a Week Early

Lake Ridge Bank – Holiday Budgeting & Saving: Plan Ahead for a Joyful Season

sendvalu Blog – Sending Money to Rural Areas: What You Need to Know

sendvalu Blog – Why Remittance Apps Dominate in 2025 and Why Choose sendvalu