Thanksgiving Day is one of eleven federal holidays recognized nationwide by the United States Government. All non-essential federal government offices are closed on Thanksgiving Day, and all federal employees are paid even if they receive the day off. Many private-sector employees will also receive paid time off or special holiday pay on Thanksgiving Day.

Thanksgiving is a day of giving thanks for the harvest of the previous year. The holiday is rooted in the tradition of a harvest feast by early American settlers. It is celebrated every fourth Thursday of November, and has been a federal holiday since 1941.