Is participating in non-Muslim celebrations, such as Thanksgiving, unlawful (haram) or not, given that there are no forbidden foods served, and what is the extent of its impact on children?

Allah has commanded us to treat all people with kindness and to be good to those who do not fight us in religion. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, also generally advised [to be good to] neighbors.

However, one should not confuse kindness and cordiality with compromising one's creed. Therefore, it is not permissible to participate with disbelievers or congratulate them on their religious holidays, as these are rituals of their false religion, and scholars have emphasized this.

If a Muslim fears an unbearable harm from not congratulating or participating, it is permissible for them to be courteous to the extent of the necessity, while denying it in their heart.

There is a great difference between participating with disbelievers in their religious holidays and greeting them with peace (salam); the former is impermissible by consensus, whereas concerning greeting them first with "Assalamu Alaykum," scholars have differed, with most prohibiting it. However, it is permissible to use other expressions like "Good morning." If there is a benefit, such as encouraging them towards Islam or averting their harm, there is no harm in greeting them with peace.