The Meaning Behind Thanksgiving: A Celebration of Gratitude, History, and Family

We believe every season tells a story — and Thanksgiving might just be the most heartfelt one of all. Before the pumpkin pie and football games, this American tradition began as a simple meal rooted in resilience, generosity, and gratitude — values we still hold close today.

A Feast That Shaped a Nation

The origins of Thanksgiving trace back to 1621, when English settlers known as the Pilgrims, having survived a brutal first winter in Plymouth (present-day Massachusetts), gathered to share a harvest feast with members of the Wampanoag tribe. Thanks to the support and teachings of the Indigenous people, especially a man named Squanto, the colonists learned to grow corn, fish, and preserve food — essential skills for surviving in the New World.

That three-day gathering — rich in shared food and cultural exchange — became the first chapter in what would grow into one of America’s most cherished holidays. Learn more about the history of Thanksgiving.

From Local Celebration to National Holiday

Despite that first gathering in 1621, Thanksgiving didn’t become a national holiday until over two centuries later. During the midst of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln declared in 1863 that the last Thursday of November would be a national day of “Thanksgiving and Praise.” His hope? That a unified day of reflection might help heal a deeply divided nation.

Since then, Thanksgiving has evolved far beyond the historical feast. While the core values of gratitude, unity, and abundance remain, today’s celebrations also include:

• Turkey dinners with classic sides like stuffing, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie.

• Football games enjoyed with family and friends

• The iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with its giant balloons and marching bands

• And for many, a time to start decorating for the winter holidays — often with fresh florals and wreaths to welcome guests and brighten the home

What Thanksgiving Means Today in Gaithersburg and Beyond

In 2025, Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 27. For many in Gaithersburg, Montgomery Village, Germantown, Rockville, and the surrounding Maryland communities, it’s more than just a holiday — it’s a chance to pause, reconnect, and give thanks for the beauty in our lives.

Whether you’re hosting a traditional meal or attending a Friendsgiving gathering, flowers can elevate the spirit of the season. Warm autumn arrangements with sunflowers, mums, orange roses, and eucalyptus bring natural elegance to any table. And if you can’t be there in person, a delivered bouquet is a heartfelt way to say “I’m grateful for you.”

A Modern Thanksgiving Touch from Tognoli Florist

As a local, woman-owned florist, we know that gratitude comes in many forms — from a homemade meal to a handwritten card to a carefully curated floral arrangement. That’s why we offer:

• Thanksgiving centerpieces for your holiday table

• Seasonal bouquets perfect for gifting hosts or loved ones

• Same-day flower delivery across Gaithersburg, Montgomery Village, Potomac, Germantown, and more

• Custom add-ons like gourmet baskets, greeting cards, or locally made goodies for the perfect gift

Looking for more ways to honor the season? Visit our The Christmas Tree Tradition blog post and explore the meaningful traditions behind other holidays we love celebrating with flowers.

Gratitude in Bloom 🌿

This Thanksgiving, let’s remember that gratitude doesn’t have to be grand — it can be as simple as saying “thank you”, sharing a meal, or sending a bouquet to someone who made your year a little brighter.

From all of us at Tognoli Florist, thank you for letting us be part of your celebrations. May your heart — and your home — be full this Thanksgiving.