Day after Thanksgiving

The Day after Thanksgiving is a state holiday observed on the Friday after Thanksgiving in numerous US states, including California, Delaware, Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. While the federal government does not recognize it as an official holiday, 18 states grant their employees the day off.

The day is widely known in popular culture as Black Friday due to the massive retail shopping events that take place, but as a state holiday it is formally designated as the Day after Thanksgiving or similar names. Some states use alternative names such as \"Native American Heritage Day\" or \"Family Day\" to mark the occasion.

The Friday after Thanksgiving has gradually become a state holiday across many parts of the United States. Historically, while Thanksgiving itself was established as a federal holiday in 1863 by President Abraham Lincoln, the day after was simply a regular workday.

Over the course of the 20th century, many states began granting state employees the Friday after Thanksgiving as a paid day off, creating a four-day weekend. This trend accelerated as private employers followed suit, recognizing the practical reality that many workers took the day off anyway for travel and family gatherings.

The commercial phenomenon of Black Friday developed separately. The term originated in Philadelphia in the 1960s, where police used it to describe the chaotic crowds and heavy traffic on the day after Thanksgiving. Retailers later rebranded the name positively, claiming it was the day their books went from \"red\" (loss) to \"black\" (profit).

By the late 20th century, Black Friday had evolved into the biggest shopping day of the year, with stores offering dramatic discounts and opening at increasingly early hours — and eventually on Thanksgiving evening itself. The commercial aspect has become deeply intertwined with the state holiday observance.

Shopping (Black Friday): The most prominent modern tradition is Black Friday shopping, with millions of Americans seeking deals at retail stores and online. Major retailers offer doorbuster deals, and shoppers often line up hours before stores open.

Extended Family Gatherings: Many families use the four-day weekend for continued family time, especially for those who traveled long distances for Thanksgiving.

Leftover Thanksgiving Meals: A beloved tradition is enjoying leftover turkey sandwiches, reheated stuffing, and other Thanksgiving dishes the day after the feast.

Start of the Holiday Season: The Day after Thanksgiving marks the unofficial start of the Christmas and holiday season, with many families putting up decorations, buying Christmas trees, and beginning holiday preparations.

Travel: The Thanksgiving weekend is one of the busiest travel periods in the United States, with the Friday serving as a day for return travel or visiting additional family and friends.