Thanksgiving is the wonderful time of year when the air gets crisper, the leaves put on a fiery show, and our taste buds tingle with anticipation. Truthfully, when it comes to Thanksgiving, the food steals the spotlight. It is not just any feast–it’s a parade of family favorites that grace the table. From ancestral recipes to brand-new creations, the holiday acts as an exhibit for mouth-watering meals to signify a celebration. Although North Atlanta students look forward to time spent with their families, their minds and stomachs are set on savoring some of their favorite foods this holiday season.
Typically it all begins with the turkey, the glorious centerpiece of the Thanksgiving spread. Whether roasted, smoked, or deep-fried, the turkey reigns supreme, symbolizing gratitude and togetherness. For senior Halle Pray, the bird is the word for this fall holiday. Each year, her family loves to work together in the kitchen. “There is something so nice about that golden-brown skin and the aroma that fills the house,” she said. “I think that as long as you have a good turkey, you have a good Thanksgiving meal.”
While the turkey is the delicious main event, sometimes the side dishes win the prize of most satisfying. Many students prefer the flavors that accompany the turkey over the bird itself. Freshman Liza Hagy’s favorite side is stuffing, and a family tradition makes it even more special. Her great-grandmother has passed down an excellent recipe that Liza loves making each year. “I really enjoy being close to my family at Thanksgiving,” she said. “I feel very close to my relatives who would have made the same recipe decades before me.”
Some students have an advantage over the typical delicious Thanksgiving spread. This can be seen in Junior Ellie Winslade, whose Thanksgiving table boasts an extra sprinkle of culinary magic thanks to her father’s chef expertise. A wonder in the kitchen, her father orchestrates a feast that elevates traditional dishes with expertly crafted flavors. For Ellie, every Thanksgiving is a masterclass in culinary delight, where each dish is a combination of love, family traditions, and expert chef knowledge. “It feels like I’m at a five-star restaurant every Thanksgiving,” she said. “Everything from the stuffing to the cranberry sauce is just so delicious.”
As students revel in the flavors and traditions of Thanksgiving, it is clear that the heart of this holiday lies not just in the food itself, but in the stories, memories, and love that these dishes carry. Whether it is a treasured family recipe passed down through the ages or the culinary expertise of a chef in the household, each dish on the Thanksgiving table tells a tale and it is in these shared moments that Thanksgiving truly shines. As we gather around our tables, it is important to savor the connections and stories that make this celebration so special.
