Thanksgiving: Texas Style

A Texas Thanksgiving

Texas is a state that likes to do things big and in its own way, and celebrating Thanksgiving is no exception to this. In fact, even the history of the holiday unfolds in an interesting way in the Lone Star State, and it serves as an example of the wonderful independence for which Texas is famous.

A Uniquely Texan History

The feast of the Pilgrims and Native Americans marks an important milestone in Thanksgiving history. However, though individual states and colonies went on to celebrate in their own ways after this, it did not become an annual tradition until later. Even before this feast, history records show that Spanish explorer Coronado recognized a Thanksgiving on Ascension Thursday with the Teya tribe of Native Americans at Palo Duro Canyon in West Texas.

In 1842, President of the Texas Republic Sam Houston established March 2 as Texas Independence Day, to “render evidence of national blessings” and give thanks for their good fortune.

Sam Houston 1849–1853 by artist Thomas Flintoff

Soon after Texas became a state in 1848, Governor Wood established the first Texas State Thanksgiving, making Texas the first state in the South to recognize Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving became an official holiday when President Abraham Lincoln decreed it so, issuing in 1863 a Thanksgiving Proclamation, with the idea that a national holiday would bring all Americans together. However, this changed in 1939 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt decided to change the official date of Thanksgiving from the last Thursday in November to the second-to-last Thursday of the month after complaints from retailers that such a late holiday would gives shoppers one less week of shopping. This caused turmoil across the country, with school holiday schedules and time off work becoming disjointed and making it hard for families to spend the day together. Texas was one of only two states that decided to honor both holidays. In 1941, after it was determined that an extended holiday season did not significantly affect sales, Congress changed it back to fall on the fourth Thursday of the month.

Hosting This Year? Prep in Advance

Bel Furniture prides itself on being a Texas company, offering furniture designed by with Texas flair in mind. If you’re hosting Thanksgiving this year, the first thing you’ll want to do is make sure you have seating for the whole family. Bel has some fantastic sales going on this time of year which will enable you to find exactly what you need to suit your home.

This elegant set from Mollai Collections, one of our exclusive lines, offers plenty of seating space and chairs that will keep guests comfortable from carving the turkey all the way through the pecan and pumpkin pie.

Along with a full menu of delicious food, football is the other treat that many Texans will enjoy on Thanksgiving Day. Make sure you have adequate seating--remember, everyone will want to stretch out after the big meal. Consider a sectional that offers plenty of room for everyone. This one features reclining seats for maximum leg stretchability. Get it for less at our Holiday Sale, going on now.

What to Serve?

Tradition still reigns supreme in Texas, so most people will enjoy traditional food such as turkey, sweet potatoes, stuffing, and iced tea. However, there are ways you can spice up the selections to make your meal uniquely Texan. Liven up a turkey dish with parsley-mint salsa verde Invigorate your sweet potato dish by making chipotle smashed sweet potatoes Finally, kick up your dessert choices with Texas Hill Country Spiced Pumpkin Pie with Bourbon Cream.