From MSN.com "Ah, Thanksgiving. That time of year when citizens of the United States partake in traditions that are even older than our country: watching televised football and parades, and devouring 100,000 calories apiece. Yep, we've been doing this every year since the tradition started, in 1492, with Columbus.

We have the Pilgrims to thank for this great holiday. After declaring a four-day weekend for everyone, they are well known to have slept in late on Thanksgiving morning, skipped their routine shower, and gorged themselves on cheese puffs and beer. The male Pilgrims--especially those who had placed bets on the teams--looked forward to watching football, while the females rubbed their hands together in gleeful anticipation of the holiday shopping season."