Here's an explanation of Thanksgiving that's just right for little ones.

Description:
It's important for children to know the history and meaning behind the holidays they celebrate, but keep the explanation geared to the child's age level. As they get older, you can fill in more of the details and even introduce discussion points (e.g. How do you think the Pilgrims felt when they landed in a strange land? How do you think the Native Americans felt when they saw new people arriving?).

Step-by-Step:

Tell the story of Thanksgiving, acting out any parts you wish:

A long time ago, people called the Pilgrims left their home in England and sailed across the ocean in a boat called The Mayflower. When they arrived in America, they met the Native American people who were living there. The Native Americans taught the Pilgrims how to plant corn, and how to hunt and fish. In the fall, when the corn was ready to eat, the Pilgrims picked it. It was their first harvest, and they had a celebration to give thanks that they had enough food for the winter. The Pilgrims invited the Native Americans to join them in this three-day feast because the tribe had shown them such friendship.

Materials:
Some picture books about Thanksgiving