As we witness the start of the leaves falling off the trees, and smell the beautiful autumn aroma, it is time to get prepared for the favorite holiday of many, known as Thanksgiving. Many are already getting ready for this year’s Thanksgiving feast, which is on Thursday, November 26.

Thanksgiving to many is simply known as a day for feasting and festivities, but these individuals are missing the true story behind the holiday. Thanksgiving is a day to give thanks for the blessing of harvest, and for everything we have. Every year, on the third Thursday of November in the United States, Thanksgiving is celebrated.

If you want to prepare a home-cooked feast with your family on Thanksgiving, there is an abundance of items that can be offered at the meal. It is extremely important that you have a ton of turkey with stuffing, considering it is a fan favorite. Additionally, you must be sure to have a large side of gravy.

Many feasts are filled with mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, and squash soup. If you are hosting a feast for this year’s Thanksgiving, be sure to please your guests with these suggested food items.

On the other hand, if you do not want to host a feast, there are many restaurants in Bergen County that will prepare a Thanksgiving meal for you.

The Brick House in Wyckoff is known for their ala carte and buffet Thanksgiving Day special. The buffet has a carving station with a variety of pastas, turkey, steak, salads, and desserts. Be sure to call 201-848-1211, if you would like to reserve a table for you and your guests.

Another suggestion is Regina’s in Teaneck. Regina’s Steak House and Grill offers a wide variety of food from roasted turkey to delicious steaks. Make sure that you call 201-862-1996, if you plan to eat at Regina’s on Thanksgiving.

Also, Chakra in Paramus welcomes all to their three-course dinner menu on Thanksgiving evening. Be sure to call 201-556-1530 in order to make a reservation.

Besides having a Thanksgiving dinner, there are many activities to do on Thanksgiving Day.

On Thanksgiving Day, many await the return of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is watched by fifty million people at home on channel NBC, and seen by more than three million people each year. People love to see the enormous balloons, unbelievable floats, and incredible performances.

The legacy of the 1924 Macy’s employees lives on today, as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will return for its ninetieth time this year. Over eight thousand individuals participate in the parade for the two-and-a half-mile march through Manhattan’s busy streets.

Ultimately, as Thanksgiving is to be grateful for what you have, it is important to give back and help those who are less fortunate.

For Bergen County residents, every Thanksgiving, the SPCDC based in Paterson, hosts a holiday food drive, which receives many donations from community members to provide Thanksgiving turkeys and meals to hundreds of families.

As this year’s Thanksgiving is around the corner, be sure to feast, be appreciative for what you have, and try to volunteer and give help to those who are less fortunate. Happy Thanksgiving!