It's the traditional main course event at Thanksgiving across America! Baked, Roasted, Deep Fried, Smoked, you name it, it's prepared that way somewhere by somebody. Turkey!
But how did we get here?
In 1778, George Washington issued a statement that there should be a 'Day of Thanks', and it is reported that none other than Alexander Hamilton commented that turkey should be the official food of Thanksgiving as it was an American Bird.
But the holiday and the menu varied until author Sarah Josepha Hale made a menu for a Thanksgiving feast in 1827. In her book Northwood: A Tale of New England, there was an entire chapter devoted to the classic feast, turkey!
But Sarah wasn't done. Around 1860, she wrote a letter to then-President Abraham Lincoln urging him to make Thanksgiving a permanent national holiday. In 1863, Old Abe made it a national holiday by proclamation, and Congress made the fourth Thursday in November the permanent day for the national holiday under President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Why is turkey the main dish? Because it was widely available, affordable, and could feed an entire crowd for dinner! Now, where's that pumpkin pie for dessert? Maybe with a dab of whipped cream? Happy Thanksgiving!
By David Edge
David Edge is a retirement lifestyle writer and contributor to the ARA monthly newsletter. His articles blend personal stories with practical insights on living well in retirement.
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Easy Eddie's Take
David's right about turkey being practical for feeding a crowd, and that same thinking can help with holiday budgeting today! A lot of people ask me, 'How can I manage holiday expenses on a fixed retirement income?' Here's the good news: most retirees in 2026 find that planning ahead for seasonal expenses makes all the difference.
If you're receiving Social Security benefits or drawing from your 401k or IRA, consider setting aside a small amount each month starting in January for holiday meals and gifts. Think of it this way: $25 per month gives you $300 by November. The Social Security Administration's 2026 Cost of Living Adjustment helps, but a little extra planning means you can enjoy that turkey dinner without touching your emergency fund or charging it to a credit card.
Just like Sarah Josepha Hale planned ahead to make Thanksgiving permanent, a little preparation today can make your holiday celebrations much more enjoyable tomorrow.