“Franksgiving”

“Franksgiving” is the nickname given to a controversy that arose in the United States in 1939, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved the date of Thanksgiving forward by one week. Traditionally celebrated on the last Thursday of November, Thanksgiving in 1939 fell on November 30. To extend the holiday shopping season and bolster the economy, Roosevelt declared that Thanksgiving would be celebrated on November 23, the second-to-last Thursday of the month. This decision sparked significant debate and resistance.

Background
Economic Motivation:
The United States was still recovering from the Great Depression, and retail businesses were eager for strategies to boost holiday sales.
Traditionally, the Christmas shopping season began after Thanksgiving, but a late Thanksgiving that year would shorten the shopping period.

Presidential Proclamation:
On August 14, 1939, Roosevelt announced that Thanksgiving would be moved up a week to extend the shopping season and potentially increase consumer spending.

Public Reaction
Divided Opinions:
Many Americans resisted the change, arguing it disrupted tradition. Thanksgiving had been celebrated on the last Thursday of November since Abraham Lincoln’s proclamation in 1863.
Critics mocked Roosevelt’s decision, coining the term “Franksgiving” to express their disapproval.

Political and Regional Split:
Some states adopted the new date, while others stuck to the traditional one. This led to confusion, with 23 states observing the new date and 22 keeping the old date. Texas even declared both dates as holidays.

Humor and Criticism:
The controversy inspired jokes and cartoons, with many poking fun at Roosevelt’s perceived overreach.
Football schedules, parades, and other traditions tied to Thanksgiving were thrown into disarray.

Resolution
Compromise:
In 1940 and 1941, Roosevelt again moved Thanksgiving to the second-to-last Thursday of November.
However, the controversy persisted, with critics continuing to argue that the change disrupted tradition.

Legislation:
In 1941, Congress passed a law officially establishing Thanksgiving as the fourth Thursday of November, regardless of whether it was the last or second-to-last Thursday.
Roosevelt signed the bill into law on December 26, 1941, ending the controversy.

Legacy
Economic Impact:
Studies later showed that the earlier Thanksgiving had little to no effect on holiday sales, undermining the rationale for the change.

Cultural Memory:
“Franksgiving” remains a humorous footnote in U.S. history, illustrating the tensions between tradition and economic interests.

Holiday Standardization:
The resolution established the consistent date for Thanksgiving that is still observed today.

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