Americans have always given thanks — just not always in November. Giving thanks is a longstanding American tradition. However, few people realize that Thanksgiving hasn't always been celebrated in November. Here are some interesting facts about the holiday:

• During the American Revolution — long before Thanksgiving became a national holiday — the Continental Congress would recommend that states observe one or two days of thanksgiving each year.

• Beginning with George Washington, presidents would declare thanksgiving days each year. They were not usually held in the fall.•

President Abraham Lincoln was responsible for making Thanksgiving a national holiday. He set the date as the last Thursday in November.

• During the Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt changed the date of Thanksgiving so that it fell earlier in November. He wanted to give retailers more time to sell before the holidays — and advertising before Thanksgiving was considered to be crass!

• Thanksgiving Day, as we know it, was signed into law in 1941 and took effect in 1942.

Have a great holiday!

Margaret O'Meara

Red Bank