Thanksgiving is always on the fourth Thursday in November and is widely celebrated throughout the country.
This adored holiday is centered around giving thanks, having gratitude and being with your loved ones. The heart of Thanksgiving is the big feast that brings family and friends together. Classic dishes fill the table: turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, gravy and pumpkin pie. The smell of the delicious food lingers in the air, creating a sense of warmth during this holiday.
Not every family eats the traditional food associated with Thanksgiving. Some people have different traditions but gather with their families, spreading love and sharing gratitude.
“My aunt always makes crab dip because they’re from Maryland,” sophomore Morgan Webster told The Fanscotian. “It’s very yummy, and we only get it on Thanksgiving in Maryland.”
Webster still has the classic dishes during her dinner but also adds something special to her and her family.
A popular tradition on Thanksgiving is to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade in person or on TV. Colorful giant balloons fill the sky of New York City and the bands crowd the streets. For many people, this tradition marks the beginning of the holiday season.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade lasts a few hours in the morning so throughout the day, as the food simmers, families often play football, watch sports games and have holiday music softly playing in the background. Families do those common traditions every Thanksgiving while sprinkling their own into the mix.
“On Thanksgiving, my cousins and I do Secret Santa,” Webster said. “We don’t do Christmas with them, because they live far away, so we do Secret Santa on Thanksgiving and it’s pretty fun.”
Holidays become special from what you make of it. Thanksgiving traditions are important for yourself, your family and friends, providing a sense of safety and belonging for all who gather.
“Families, regardless of religious or cultural backgrounds, celebrate the holiday in a way that feels personal to them,” non-profit Embrace Relief states.
Thanksgiving is important for communities because no matter what religion you believe in or celebrate, Thanksgiving brings people closer together. The meal and activities allow people to share their heritage and incorporate their beliefs into traditions that make the day special. Thanksgiving reminds you that you are blessed and to be grateful for your bond with your family, friends and community.
