As we move towards the end of 2014, we come to the beginning of some folk’s favorite time of year – holiday party season! As active Jaycees, we know how to logistically plan and execute a great event. But once the decorations are up, the food has been ordered, and the guest list finalized, how do you make sure that you’re on top of your best mingling game? The answer is simple – have a few key holiday facts ready to go as conversation starters. Not only will you build on your reputation as a knowledgeable person of obscure facts, but you may end up as the highlight of the social evening.
Here’s a few easy to remember facts about Thanksgiving to get you started:
- The first t.v. dinner was introduced in 1953 when Swanson ordered too many frozen turkeys…about 26 tons worth. In true crisis management solution mode, they cut the turkeys into slices, added some trimmings, repackaged, and presto – dinners that would change our society.
- Benjamin Franklin unsuccessfully lobbied for the turkey as America’s national bird. In comparison to the bald eagle, Franklin noted that the turkey was a, “much more respectable bird.” Probably not as good eating, though.
- While Black Friday may be retail’s biggest day, merchants are not alone. National plumbing giant Roto-Rooter reports the day after Thanksgiving as their busiest time of the year. The connection is fairly obvious.
- Only male turkeys, called toms, gobble. Female turkeys, named hens, are more inclined to cackle.
- Approximately 280 million turkeys are sold for Thanksgiving. This equates to about 7 billion pounds of meat with a total costs in the neighborhood of $3 billion.
As you sit down with family and friends this holiday, remember to appreciate how fortunate we are to be involved with an organization that not only improves us as individuals, but also works to build a better future for all in our community. Take a moment to be thankful for 2014 and look ahead to a brighter 2015…and don’t be afraid to drop a few interesting Thanksgiving facts.
What do you have planned for the Thanksgiving holiday? Are you spending it with friends? Family? An intimate gathering or a big party? We want to hear about your plans on our Facebook and Twitter pages.
