Though the Pilgrims did celebrate a harvest festival in late November, it wasn’t until the Civil War that Thanksgiving became a regularly-commemorated (and official) holiday, thanks to a declaration by Abraham Lincoln. Whatever the origins, most Americans today recognize the event as the start of the winter holiday season, a time to gather with family on the fourth Thursday of the month for an ample feast. And right before that, to meet up with friends new and old for some good, old-fashioned partying.

There aren’t any conclusive studies that Thanksgiving Eve is the biggest drinking day of the year, but anecdotal evidence shows it to be one of the biggest nights for liquor sales at bars and restaurants everywhere. College students head home and meet up with old buddies, working folk are freed to have fun by the forthcoming long weekend, and everyone takes the opportunity to de-stress in advance of a big family gathering.

Of course, law enforcement is aware of the night-before-turkey-day trend as well, and are out in full force to stop underage kids from being served and put a kibosh on drinking and driving. So go find those old pals and buy them a round or two, but be sure to be safe in your merry-making. Happy Thanksgiving!

Photo via Flickr user chayday