Why don't Jehovah Witness's celebrate Thanksgiving?

Question

A very nice JW yesterday answered to me, "It's because we're thankful everyday." Okay, cute and succinct. I'm thankful every second I'm alive, but that doesn't mean I can't "remember" the sacrifices of our founding fathers and have a meal in their memory. Can a JW please explain this to me? I am asking sincerely.

To non-JW's: Please NO JW bashing.............

Answer 1

It's against their beliefs. They believe that by celebrating any holiday, they are not putting God first.

Answer 2

It's a National holiday and JW's are completely neutral when it comes to the countries in which we live- the politics, celebrations, traditions etc. We respect and obey the law as long as it doesn't contradict God's Word (such as going to war). We pay our taxes.
But the long and short of it is: Like Abraham, when he was traveling, referred to himself as an alien resident- JW's see ourselves as alien residents. We LIVE in the country in which we reside, but we pledge allegiance to Jehovah God and his Kingdom government (heaven). The Bible says God's Kingdom will crush and put an end to all governments now in place. In the future, the wicked will be cut off from the earth and the righteous will possess a planet made perfect.

Even though people may see Thanksgiving as a harmless day of giving thanks, JW's see the big picture.
Remember when Jesus was tempted by Satan? All Satan wanted was ONE small act of worship (Matthew 4:1-10) JW's understand that Satan is the current ruler of the world (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11) and we don't want to give the the pleasure of recieving even one small act of worship from us.

Answer 3

Jehovah's Witnesses reject all that is pagan.

Thanksgiving, Harvest Home, The Feast of the Ingathering, Harvest End, also known as the Autumnal Equinox holiday is a ritual of thanksgiving for the fruits of the earth and a recognition of the need to share them to secure the blessings of the Goddess and God during the winter months.

Answer 4

Dear Mr. F.:

Jehovah’s Witnesses also respectfully refrain from participating in such national holidays. Though we respect the authorities in whatever country we may reside, for conscientious reasons we do not give them what we view as worshipful honors. We remain neutral toward all such celebrations. This is in keeping with Jesus’ words regarding his followers: “They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world.”—John 17:16.

On the contrary, the idea of a single day of thanks undoubtedly would have reminded the early Christians of the pagan Romans, who held an annual thanksgiving celebration in December. A writer of the second century noted: “We (Christians) are accused of a lower sacrilege, because we do not celebrate along with you the holidays of the Cæsars in a manner forbidden alike by modesty, decency, and purity.”

Looking at many of the present practices, he may be reminded of Second Corinthians 6:14, where we read: “Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers. For what fellowship do righteousness and lawlessness have?”

Really, should not all who profess Christianity encourage a spontaneous spirit of thanksgiving—from the heart—the year around? Compare Exodus 32:4-10. Notice that the Israelites adopted an Egyptian religious practice but gave it a new name, “a festival to Jehovah.” But Jehovah severely punished them for this. Today we see only modern practices associated with holidays. Some may appear harmless. But Jehovah observed firsthand the pagan religious practices from which these originated. Should not his view be what matters to us?

If you would like further information & learn more - please get in touch with Jehovah's Witnesses at the local Kingdom Hall. Or visit

Answer 5

The early Christians were admonished to apply the principle found at Ephesians 5:20. In the name of Jesus Christ, they were to ‘give thanks always for all things to their God and Father.’ Yes, an attitude of constant appreciation for God’s provisions and protection was emphasized repeatedly. The words “thanks” and “thanksgiving” are used over forty times in the Christian Greek Scriptures.

On the contrary, the idea of a single day of thanks undoubtedly would have reminded the early Christians of the pagan Romans, who held an annual thanksgiving celebration in December. A writer of the second century noted: “We [Christians] are accused of a lower sacrilege, because we do not celebrate along with you the holidays of the Cæsars in a manner forbidden alike by modesty, decency, and purity.”

What, then, is the modern-day Christian likely to conclude as he views this national holiday? Looking at many of the present practices, he may be reminded of Second Corinthians 6:14, where we read: “Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers. For what fellowship do righteousness and lawlessness have?”

Answer 6

we thank Jehovah God and his son Jesus Christ everyday. we do eat turkey and we can eat turkey dinner any time of the year. we don't celebrate any holidays. please see our website at www.watchtower.org and see what we are all about. also read eph chapter five- 10 and 11. keep on making sure of what is acceptable to the Lord, and quit sharing with them in the unfruitful works that belong to the darkness, but rather even be reproving them.

Answer 7

thanksgiving is harvest worship to God's that arn't Jehovah.
The days have changed i am not sure why but God still see's it a false worship.

Answer 8

thanksgicing has nothing to do with our founding fathers..............It has to do with the Native Americans welcoming the Pilgrims to their land........................


And no we do not celebrate Thanksgiving...... We rthankful everyday

Answer 9

i dont think they are allowed to celebrate any holidays for fear
that they holiday replaces worship of God...

Answer 10

These people add and take away rules from the bible...they have done this for years, and will continue to do so.