Every year, as the air turns crisp and autumn leaves settle on the ground, families and friends gather from across the country to celebrate Thanksgiving—a holiday centered on gratitude, togetherness, and of course, mouth watering food. While every household has its own way of marking the day, many traditions have become holiday staples of the season of giving.
A Day Rooted in Gratitude
The heart of Thanksgiving lies in giving thanks. Whether it’s for family, health, friendships, or just simply making it through the years’ ups and downs, people often take a moment before the meal to share what they are most grateful for. Some families even keep a “gratitude jar,” where everyone places a note of thanks to be read aloud during dinner.
Classic Traditions That Bring Us Together
From fueling up for early morning turkey trots to cheering on the football team, Thanksgiving traditions help create a sense of continuity and comfort. Many families spend their mornings watching the Macy’s Day Parade with giant balloons, marching bands, and floats, filling TV screens nationwide. And of course, there’s the tradition of gathering around a big table, just like the Pilgrims and Wampanoags did, where each person’s presence is often more important than the food itself.
The Star of the Show: Thanksgiving Food
If Thanksgiving is a story, then the food is definitely the main character. The holiday menu tends to get tweaked throughout the years between different traditions and unique recipes. Many families add their own twist to their Thanksgiving dishes. Turkey is a classic centerpiece: roasted, smoked, or even fried in some households! But just as important are the special sides that make Thanksgiving foods a favorite.
The iconic sides include:
- Mashed Potatoes – creamy, buttery, and perfect for soaking up gravy
- Stuffing – flavored with herbs, vegetables, and even sometimes sausage
- Cranberry Sauce – offering a bright, tangy balance to some of the more savory dishes on your plate
- Green Bean Casserole – topped with crispy fried onions
- Sweet Potatoes – often baked, mashed, or even made with a gooey marshmallow top
And no Thanksgiving is complete without pie. Pumpkin pie is a traditional favorite, but apple, pecan, and sweet potato pies also can make an appearance at the dinner table.
Family Recipes and New Twists
While many dishes are a timeless favorite, Thanksgiving is also a chance for creativity. Some families incorporate foods which reflect their culture and personal backgrounds such as tamales, rice dishes, plantains, homemade breads, or unique seasoning blends. Others experiment with new desserts for the celebration.
More Than Just a Meal
In the end, Thanksgiving is less about the menu and more about the special moments shared. Whether you’re gathered around the crowded table with friends and family, cooking side-by-side in the kitchen, or enjoying leftovers for a late night snack, the holiday season reminds us to slow down and appreciate the little things in life and the people around us.
As we approach Thanksgiving break students are taking the time to reflect on what they are grateful for. Sophomore Caroline Allen says, “Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on what your thankful for and reflect on the great year you’ve had! During this holiday season I’m grateful for family and friends because of how much we thrive off of each other!” Like many students, Caroline is grateful for her family and friends and likes to appreciate people that she surrounds herself with!
Similarly, sophomore Adeline Kelley remarks, “Thanksgiving to me is a holiday where you are able to spend time with the family you love the most and show that you are grateful for them.” Adeline, similarly to Caroline, loves to spend her break with her family and the people she is grateful for. As we take Thanksgiving break to relax and spend quality time with family and friends, it’s important to slow down and savor the moments we have with our loved ones!
