The document summarizes the history of Thanksgiving, including the Pilgrims' voyage on the Mayflower to flee religious persecution in England, their difficult first winter in Plymouth with sickness and lack of food, their interactions with the Native Americans who helped them survive by teaching farming methods, and the first Thanksgiving feast held by the Pilgrims and Native Americans in the fall to celebrate the harvest and their friendship. It also briefly discusses how Thanksgiving is celebrated today with family, food, laughter and gratitude.