Friday Fun Facts – Thanksgiving Edition!

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Fun and Fascinating Thanksgiving Facts

Thanksgiving is a beloved holiday in the United States, celebrated with family gatherings, festive meals, and a spirit of gratitude. While many know the basics of the tradition, there are some lesser-known facts about this cherished day that might surprise you.

 

1. The First Thanksgiving Wasn’t Just One Day

The first Thanksgiving in 1621, shared by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people, was a three-day feast. It included not just food but also games, singing, and other forms of entertainment. Surprisingly, turkey wasn’t the centerpiece—it’s more likely they dined on venison, seafood, and wildfowl.

 

2. It Wasn’t an Official Holiday for Over 200 Years

While Thanksgiving was celebrated sporadically in different states, it wasn’t until 1863 that President Abraham Lincoln declared it a national holiday. He did so during the Civil War, hoping to unify the nation with a day of gratitude.

 

3. The Macy’s Parade Tradition Began in 1924

The famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City started in 1924, featuring live animals borrowed from the Central Park Zoo instead of the giant balloons we know today. The parade now draws millions of viewers in person and on television.

 

4. Americans Eat an Astounding Amount of Turkey

Each year, about 46 million turkeys are consumed on Thanksgiving. If you lined up all the turkeys eaten, they would stretch across the United States!

 

5. The “Turkey Pardon” Tradition

Every year, the President of the United States ceremonially “pardons” a live turkey, sparing it from becoming dinner. This quirky tradition is believed to have started in the 1940s, though it became an annual event in the late 1980s.

 

6. It’s One of the Biggest Travel Days of the Year

Thanksgiving sees millions of Americans traveling to be with family and friends, making it one of the busiest times for air travel and road trips.

 

7. Football and Thanksgiving Go Hand in Hand

Thanksgiving football games date back to the late 1800s. The first NFL Thanksgiving game was played in 1920, and the Detroit Lions have hosted a Thanksgiving Day game every year since 1934 (except during World War II).

 

From its historical origins to modern-day traditions, Thanksgiving is a celebration of gratitude, family, and community. As you enjoy your turkey and pumpkin pie, take a moment to appreciate the rich history behind this beloved holiday!

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Friday Fun Facts – What Home Renovations Aren’t Worth the Price Tag

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If you’ve ever wondered how much it would cost to renovate your home and if it’s worth it… you are not alone.  According to data from Forbes, the average home renovation costs $41,600, with projects ranging from $1,200 to $82,000, depending on the size of your home and the scope of the work involved.

While the goal of investing in a home renovation project is often to increase the value of your property, there are some features that may not be worth the upfront cost when it comes time to sell your property in the future. Here are six house features that buyers aren’t interested in:

  1. Turning Your Garage Into Living Space
    Prospective buyers typically prefer a functional garage for parking rather than a specialized living space. Before selling, consider returning the garage to its original function.
  2. Adding an ADU to Your Property
    The installation of an alternative dwelling unit (ADU) can significantly alter vehicle and storage space, potentially raising concerns for potential buyers.
  3. High-End Kitchen Appliances
    While high-end appliances and renovations may seem desirable, they may not significantly increase the home’s resale value.
  4. Built-In Shelving
    Built-in shelving and entertainment systems could restrict furniture configuration options, potentially causing inconvenience for buyers.
  5. Niche Additions
    Specialty additions like gyms, wine rooms, and movie-screening rooms may make it difficult to sell your home and may not necessarily increase its value.
  6. Swimming Pool
    Installing a pool can be costly and may deter potential buyers due to maintenance demands and safety concerns, particularly for families with small children.

It’s important to carefully consider these factors when planning home renovation projects, especially if the goal is to increase the property’s resale value.

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Friday Fun Facts – The Average American Moves 12 Times in Their Life

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According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average American moves approximately 11.7 times throughout their lifetime. However, this number varies widely depending on factors such as age, income, and marital status.

Young adults between the ages of 18 and 34 move much more frequently than older adults. Folks between 18 and 34 have an average of 3.3 moves under their belts. In contrast, adults aged 65 and over move much less frequently, with an average of 2.4 moves throughout their lifetime.

Times have changed. While Americans used to move for job opportunities, most people nowadays choose to move for personal reasons. Being closer to families and seeking a better quality of life have become major driving forces behind American relocations.

Of course, the COVID-19 pandemic has also had a significant impact on American mobility. Many people took the chance to re-evaluate their living situations in light of remote work and other changes in the workplace. After all, if you’re going to work from home, why not make your home someplace nice?

 

Sources:  U.S. Census Bureau and MovingFeedback.com

The post Friday Fun Facts – The Average American Moves 12 Times in Their Life appeared first on Fort Collins Real Estate | Fort Collins Homes for Sale & Property Search.