Thanksgiving Mahjong: Bringing the Family Together Over a Game

Thanksgiving is the biggest family holiday in the U.S., filled with warm reunions and meals that begin at lunch and stretch into the evening. There's plenty of turkey on your dinner menu, and Mahjong on your game menu!

But why Mahjong? What does it have to do with a holiday like this? Well, as we mentioned in a recent article, Mahjong has been growing in popularity in the U.S. and around the world, so it’s being played more and more, no matter the occasion. Plus, when you're with family, it’s the perfect game to enjoy together.

As you probably know, the first Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1621 by English colonists in Plymouth. The past winter had been tough, and the upcoming winter didn’t look much better. So, Governor William Bradford decided to raise everyone’s spirits and organize the first-ever Mahjong contest! Just kidding—Mahjong was invented much later in distant China, and the first colonists had no chance to enjoy this beautiful opportunity. But you have much more luck and you have this chance! Would you capture it, or just let it slip? Yo.

What is really important during the first Thanksgiving celebration is that British colonists and their Native American neighbors, who had helped them survive the first harsh winter, came together and celebrated this event. So, as you can see, Thanksgiving was all about unity from day one, not just among close family, but among different cultures and traditions as well.

Playing Mahjong on Thanksgiving can become your own family tradition that brings generations together. Kids can learn from the older ones, and the elderly can enjoy the time spent with family, teaching everyone their knowledge and skills. This game brings a lot of conversation, which strengthens family bonds and makes everyone closer.

Mahjong also lets you take a break from the everyday rush and distractions, like mobile devices, and focus entirely on the people you care about. In today’s world, technology takes up too much of our time. And the moments like these, when we can forget about it and spend time with live and warm conversations, are very valuable.

Playing Mahjong on Thanksgiving will create new memories filled with laughter, joy, and friendly competition. Maybe, over time, Mahjong will become not just a part of Thanksgiving, but a regular part of your own family’s traditions.