Thanksgiving is a time where family and friends reunite, dine on tasty turkey, and eat lots of pumpkin pie. Although every family has their own own traditions, most people at St. Robert spend their Thanksgiving in similar ways. The food that is eaten and the tradition of celebrating with relatives are things that most families have in common when celebrating this holiday.

Warm mashed potatoes, sweet pumpkin pie, and delicious turkey adorn tables across the United States on Thanksgiving. These are the most common foods people eat on this famous holiday. Phoebe, a student at St. Robert confirms this when she explains, “We normally eat mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, and turkey.” Although these items may be prepared and eaten in many different ways depending on the household, these remain the traditional foods eaten on this holiday. Of course, there are many more tasty preparations to be eaten on the holiday. “We normally eat stuffing and cranberry sauce,” eighth grader Lucy states. The food that is eaten often can give the holiday a sense of familiarity each consecutive year.  

In addition to sharing similar food traditions, most people celebrate Thanksgiving by gathering with their estranged family and friends. Some people celebrate with their very close family and friends while others celebrate with family they may not even know very well. Some family members are separated by great distances, and holidays like Thanksgiving can give them a chance to reconnect at least once a year. Cat, a St. Robert student affirms, “We celebrate with my cousins and grandparents every year.” Thanksgiving is really a family oriented holiday where people enjoy special moments with their loved ones and reflect on everything that they are grateful for.

Additionally enjoying these moments with family has become many people’s main reason for celebrating. Lucy mentions, “I just like coming together with my whole family.” People celebrate with their distant family members, so for some this holiday holds even greater meaning as they reflect on the joy they find when gathering with the people they cherish most. Lucy explains, “This holiday is really just about being grateful, so I think gathering with the people you love is a great way to celebrate.”

In contrast to people eating the same foods and spending time with similar people, most people have their own traditions that make this holiday unique. “We always sit around and watch The Simpsons after we eat,” Phoebe explains. Phoebe usually spends Thanksgiving with her close family every year, so this is a very fun activity to do and a way for her family to bond over something they all find interest in. Moreover, Cat discusses, “We always travel to wherever our family is. We went to Chicago last year, and this year we’re going Florida.” It is common for people who celebrate with their extended family to travel to see their loved ones, since not everyone lives in the same place. Lastly, Lucy states, “We always watch football with our cousins, or play football outside while my mom and grandma are in the kitchen.” When it comes to family traditions for Thanksgiving, everyone has their own take on the activities that fill their day with joy and love.

Although most people eat similar foods and spend time with family, there are still many distinct traditions that take place on Thanksgiving. Turkey, pumpkin pie, and mashed potatoes are really what most people like to dine on this holiday. Furthermore, it is common that people spend time with family, and sometimes friends, on this very family oriented holiday. Thanksgiving is an amazing and reflective holiday that can be celebrated in many way. This holiday truly serves as a reminder for people to be thankful for the things they have and the people they have to share them with.