English people (British) do not celebrate Thanksgiving. Americans do celebrate it. It's origins are uncertain, but the story goes that the pilgrim settlers were grateful to be alive after a hard winter. They celebrated the next year's harvest by holding a feast and (so the story goes) inviting the neighboring native Indians. The purpose of the holiday was to give thanks for the year's harvest and good fortune. The dishes served at the original Thanksgiving feast, if there actually was one, were probably fish, corn and squash. However, today it is traditional to serve roast turkey with potatoes, along with other things that vary from family to family. In the late 1800's, cooking for such a meal would take the better part of the day. Besides eating, it is a good opportunity for family members to get together.