Is Thanksgiving a more important holiday than Christmas in the USA?

Answer 1

Thanksgiving is a secular holiday - while it's purpose is to give thanks to God for what we have - this can be observed by people of ANY faith. It's origins may leave out atheists, but even atheists can still 'give thanks' in their own way.

So Thanksgiving as a national Holiday, is observed by far more people in the USA than Christmas, which is a Christian religious holiday.

As for importance.......that is far too subjective....which is more important is entirely up to individuals.

Answer 2

If you are asking for a seniors point of view on how much we
get into the holidays, versus a young outgoing family, you'd
maybe get different answers. The holidays and celebrations
are a thing of the past, as everyone has passed on except
for our children and some siblings scattered. By and large,
it often comes down to my husband and I. And now we really
don't have the energy to make a large meal, for two. So we
eat less but maybe have a small turkey or something tradtional. And I have to have my 'green bean casserole'.
It's not a Thanksgiving without it for me anyway. It's a holiday,
where I can only remember the tasty dishes my grandma
made, that kept the tradition of serving them, as long as she
could muster making them. Christmas has never been a
huge feast in our family. Maybe a roast with mashed potatoes
and a cooked vegitable and hot rolls. There are few to buy
for at Christmas now, and the Ho Ho Ho, has left our spirits.
When our one child includes us for Christmas Eve, we are
pleased that we have one holiday to gather together. Christ-
mas Day is lonely for it's just the two of us. But better than
our being alone by ourselves. But one day that will happen.

Answer 3

Fourth of July is a pretty big deal, fireworks all over the place, it's a bit like New Years, just all day long. Christmas is also a pretty big deal, though it's pretty secular these days. Commercialism is crazy around Christmas, they start months in advance. Everyone gains about 10 pounds by the time it's over from all the food and candy. Halloween is another (though not a federal holiday), everyone dresses up, either parties, or if they're young, go around door-to-door to get treats. Keeps dentists in business.

Answer 4

Christmas is more important to those who celebrate it for what it really is - the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. unfortunately, it has become so commercialized that a lot of people think that it is just about presents and santa claus.
it has a deep religious meaning for me and so in that way it is more important.
i also enjoy thanksgiving because i was born on thanksgiving. it doesn't fall that way every year of course, but until i was about 5 or 6 i thought that this big family get together we had was all for ME !! we always celebrated my birthday that day too, and it wasn't until i got old enough to learn how to read a calendar that i started questioning things.
guess the joke was on me !!

Answer 5

Well in my family, Thanksgiving is the most important holiday cause we celebrate my son's and my nephews birthday on that day.

But for the store owners here, Christmas is the more important holiday as that is when they try to make the most money.

Answer 6

No its hardly noticed anymore (in the media, that is); its sandwiched in between Halloween and Christmas, which are two big money 'holidays' (I know, Halloween isn't really a holiday). Families still quietly observe Thanksgiving, but business people haven't found a way to make big money from it, which is why it is a nice quiet family holiday.

Answer 7

Both holidays are important to my family, they both have special meaning. Also, with us living in different areas, any time with them is very special. I think Thanksgiving may just be less controversial, depending on why you celebrate Christmas.

Answer 8

I would say, that in my family it is more important. It's just an easier time for us all to eat and talk. No running around unwrapping presents, picking up all of the wrapping paper,
and carrying all of the stuff out to the cars etc. Not that we don't appreciate and enjoy Christmas, just that Thanksgiving is more relaxed and easier.

Answer 9

I actually prefer Thanksgiving. It's a more relaxed day, you don't need to spend countless hours shopping for gifts, sending out cards, decorating, hanging those darn lights and making sure that everything is just right. Thanksgiving is good eating with friends and family, giving thanks and then dividing up the leftovers.

Answer 10

In the USA Christmas is the most important, we are celebrating the birth of Christ. We exchange gifts with one another. We attend candle light services at our church.

Thanksgiving is a very important day to us as we gather with our families and the menu is usually turkey, dressing, giblet gravy & all the trimmings, down to pumpkin pie. No gifts envolved. Just thanks for all we have been given. We are a blessed nation. We all need to realize that & give thanks every day for our freedoms.

Thank you for asking this question. Means you care~~~jill