Thanksgiving is a nonreligious holiday that almost everyone in the United States will celebrate. This holiday can mean different things for different people. But for many, it means getting ready to have a week off to spend time with family and friends, while thinking about everything they are grateful for. Whether traveling, eating, or cooking with family, there is joy all around, making the day special for everyone.
Without a doubt, food is needed at any Thanksgiving celebration. Every dinner looks different for each family, but most tend to have a big turkey with plenty of sides. Elizabeth Gutierrez, a sophomore, who celebrates with her family every year, says she loves the sides. “My favorites are the mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, corn, and apple pie,” said Gutierrez.
Some people have traditional dishes that they make every year and some people come up with a new meal every year, wanting to add some spice to the family dinners. For some families, the menu is a mix of traditional dishes and newer creations, showing how the holiday evolves with each generation. Marcella Mokam and her family celebrate Thanksgiving together every year, usually here in Atlanta. She loves to make her mac and cheese with seasoning every year, but some dishes change. “Every year my brother comes up with random things to make each year. Last year it was cornbread and this year it is chicken pot pie,” said Mokam.
With a week off of school, traveling is the first thing that might come to many people’s minds. Some may travel to see family, others want to explore the world. It is harder to make time during the year to visit family with all the crazy schedules, but when you have time at the end of the year it makes it even more special. Lucy Shahan and her family love to go visit her grandmother up in Ellijay to spend time getting closer to family and then have a late lunch together. With all the infectious energy, she says with the big tables full of people and the loud chatter, it is impossible to be unhappy. “Everyone is always gathered around the table and we get to talk about what we have missed out on in each other’s lives,” said Shahan.
Thanksgiving traditions might differ from family to family, as it is not a one-size-fits-all holiday, but the one common thing is that everyone spends quality time with family and reflects on what they are thankful for together. Ultimately, no matter what is on the table Thanksgiving is a special time of the year.
