Everyone’s ‘favourite Thanksgiving story’ makes incredible return for 9th year in a row

It's that time of year again when people across the pond gather round with their friends, family and loved ones to celebrate Thanksgiving.

And while, for many, it's a period all about quality family time and copious amounts of turkey - it's clear also time to be reminded of everyone's 'favourite Thanksgiving story' as it makes an incredible return for the ninth year in a row.

People of the internet will know all too well the heartwarming story of 'Thanksgiving Grandma' Wanda Dench and her stranger-turned-friend, Jamal Hinton.

In case you need your memory jogging, it all started back in 2016 when Jamal received a text message from an unsaved number.

The text read: "Thanksgiving dinner is at my house on Nov. 24 at 3:00pm. Let me know if you're coming. Hope to see you all. Of course that includes Amanda & Justin."

Jamal then messaged back asking who the person was, to which Wanda replied: "Your grandma!"

"Grandma? Can I have a picture," he asked, prompting Wanda to share a lovely smiley selfie.

After realising the woman in the pictures was most certainly not his nan, Jamal jokingly asked: "Can I still get a plate tho?"

"Of course you can. That's what grandmas do … feed everyone," Wanda replied and just like that, everyone's 'favourite Thanksgiving story' was born.

The pair have since reunited every year to celebrate the occasion together and Jamal has since shared with fans that it'll be no different this year.

Taking to X yesterday (25 November), he shared a series of snaps of him and Wanda over the years alongside the caption: "Excited to announce that I’m hosting Thanksgiving this year for Wanda and I!

"Looking forward to a day filled with good food, great company, and lasting memories. Year 9 coming soon!"

And people have since rushed to the comments sharing their elation at the news, with one X user writing: "The best yearly tradition on this app!"

A second penned: "Omg my heart this is so wholesome! I look forward to this annual update!"

Excited to announce that I’m hosting Thanksgiving this year for Wanda and I! 🦃✨ Looking forward to a day filled with good food, great company, and lasting memories. Year 9 coming soon! pic.twitter.com/HgDuJpjK8Y

— Jamal Hinton (@Jamalhinton12) November 25, 2024

"THE TWEET I WAS WAITING FOR!!! Still the best thing to ever come out of this app," echoed a third while a fourth gushed: "The best part of thanksgiving is the updates from you guys every year too wholesome."

Another beamed: "This is one of my favourite stories."

And a final X user added: "Hope y’all have a awesome dinner!!!"

The pair also spoke about their upcoming dinner with The Arizona Republic, with Hinton saying: "You really never know when (will be) the last time you have a dinner with someone, or be able to talk to someone.

"I'd always suggest seeing your loved ones."