A Day of Thanks

On the day of November 24, a holiday celebrating the season of harvest and other blessings of the past year, is called Thanksgiving. 

People around the world have many different perspectives on the meaning of Thanksgiving.

“To me, Thanksgiving means being with my family and giving thanks to everyone around me,” junior Emma Ventura said. “We celebrate this holiday because we think it is important to appreciate everything and everyone we have around us.” 

Thanksgiving is celebrated in many ways, such as who they are celebrating with and what activities are being done.

“We always have dinner at my grandma’s house and then dinner at my house, and because it’s a family tradition to always have a big dinner on Thanksgiving,” sophomore Keira Erickson said.

Not only is Thanksgiving a day to give thanks, but a day of bringing families together and enjoying the time eating lots of food. With cooked meals scattered across the dining table, there is always at least one favorite homemade dish.

“My favorite part of the meal is either my mom’s green bean casserole or sweet potato dish,” senior Emma Kvetensky said. 

Other than having a feast for Thanksgiving, many people have traditional activities that they do with their family and friends to bond.

“On Thanksgiving day, my cousin and I do a Mario Kart tournament until the last one is standing,” Kventensky said. 

Also, traveling is one of the most common things to do on Thanksgiving break. For Hastings Public School, they have a five day break, including the weekend.

“We usually travel to my grandma’s house, and to Kansas City,” Erickson said, “It’s a great time to rest and relax from all the other parts of school.” 

With a day like Thanksgiving, people are able to express their act of giving thanks to the people they cherish the most.

“On holidays, such as Thanksgiving, my families that live far away reunite and have a great time together making and eating food, and doing fun activities,” Ventura said.”