National Family Week
Family comes first! The week of Thanksgiving celebrates the importance of family bonds and togetherness. Spend quality time with loved ones, create memories, and appreciate the people who matter most.
About National Family Week
Family comes first! The week of Thanksgiving celebrates the importance of family bonds and togetherness. Spend quality time with loved ones, create memories, and appreciate the people who matter most.
History & origins
National Family Week is an informal U.S. observance centered on the week of Thanksgiving, when families are encouraged to gather, share meals, and reflect on gratitude. The observance is commonly described as having been proclaimed annually by the President since 1989, but the exact origin story is not always presented consistently across sources. Its modern meaning is strongly tied to American Thanksgiving traditions and the cultural emphasis on family togetherness during late November.
Why it matters
National Family Week highlights the social value of spending uninterrupted time with loved ones, especially in a season when many households already come together. Family meals and shared routines can support communication, emotional connection, and a sense of belonging, making the week meaningful beyond the holiday table. It also gives people a simple reminder to pause, express gratitude, and strengthen relationships.
How to celebrate
Spend quality time with family. Share meals together. Create family traditions. Express gratitude for loved ones. Take family photos. Share family stories and memories. Disconnect from devices and connect with each other.
Facts
- Proclaimed annually by the President since 1989
- Always includes Thanksgiving Day
- Family meals improve child development and mental health
- American families are increasingly diverse
- Quality family time strengthens relationships
Upcoming dates
- Monday, November 23, 2026
- Tuesday, November 23, 2027
- Thursday, November 23, 2028
- Friday, November 23, 2029
- Saturday, November 23, 2030
Frequently asked questions
When is National Family Week in 2026?
National Family Week in 2026 runs through the week of Thanksgiving, beginning on Monday, November 23, 2026. It always includes Thanksgiving Day, which falls on Thursday, November 26, 2026.
What is National Family Week?
National Family Week is a Thanksgiving-week observance that encourages people to focus on family bonds, gratitude, and togetherness. It is an informal celebration rather than a major official holiday.
Who started National Family Week?
The origin is commonly linked to a presidential proclamation tradition that began in 1989. However, the observance is not always documented with a single clear founder, so the exact start is somewhat unclear.
How do you celebrate National Family Week?
You celebrate it by spending quality time with family, sharing meals, and creating traditions together. Taking family photos, telling stories, and unplugging from devices are simple ways to make the week feel special.
Is National Family Week the same as Thanksgiving?
No, National Family Week is not the same as Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is the holiday itself, while National Family Week is the broader week around it that puts added emphasis on family and gratitude.
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