Nov. 23 is Thanksgiving Day this year. Let's step back and give thanks for all the blessings we have.

The origin 
Thanksgiving is one of the most important holidays in America and is closely tied to American history. The origins of Thanksgiving can be traced back to 1620 when over 100 English Puritans sailed across the Atlantic Ocean and settled in the New World in pursuit of religious freedom. But after they arrived they found themselves ill prepared to deal with the new climate and almost half died from disease or starvation. Luckily, the local Iroquois tribe helped them out and taught them how to grow local plants. Finally they reaped a good harvest and the colonists decided to celebrate with the local people as an expression of thanks. In 1863 President Lincoln declared the fourth Thursday of every November to be Thanksgiving Day and it became a traditional holiday.

What to eat

Thanksgiving Day dinner is a big deal. Many people spend all day in the kitchen preparing things such as plum pudding, mincemeat pie, cranberry sauce, squash, pumpkin pie and of course, roast turkey. Roast turkey is usually the centerpiece of the table, and has come to be a symbol that represents Thanksgiving.

Where to eat

In China, Thanksgiving Day isn't an important holiday, but for those who want to celebrate it or who like eating roast turkey, there are some good places to enjoy it.

Beijing

Garden of Delights

There is a Thanksgiving Day dinner at Garden of Delights, where you can get a Special Thanksgiving Set Menu at RMB275 per person. Diners can also enjoy a free bottle of wine with an order of five Tapas throughout November.

Garden of Delights
Date: Thursday evening, November 23
Address: No.53 Donganmen Avenue Dongcheng District, Beijing
Tel: 010-5138 5688

The Great Wall Sheraton Hotel Beijing

Celebrate this American tradition with the Sheraton's talk-of-the-town buffet dinner, with authentic Thanksgiving Day fare. RMB235 per adult, 50% off for children aged 3-9 years old, subject to 15% service charge.

Date: Thursday, Nov. 23
Address: 10 Beilu, Dongsanhuan
Tel: 010- 6590-5566 ext 2117

Capital Mandarin School

Celebrate Thanksgiving with a group of friends from all over the world at the Capital Mandarin School where you can not only enjoy the delicious feast but also make friends and play games. There are fantastic gifts for winners! Party begins at 6:30pm

Date: Fri, Nov. 24
Entrance fee: 25 Yuan for those who will bring homemade dishes and 55 Yuan for those who come empty-handed.
Tel: 010-65925672
For more information, contact: http://www.capitalmandarin.com

1

2