Traditions bring families together

As Thanksgiving break comes to a close, students reflect on their favorite holiday traditions. Whether it’s baking a pumpkin pie or waking up early to run in a turkey trot, the holiday season allows for friends and family to engage in fellowship and fun.

Gathered around the table with the smell of turkey and gravy filling the house, families prepare themselves to gorge in the yearly feast of Thanksgiving. Since 1621, family and friends have assembled together while eating a massive meal leaving people full for days. The usual holiday consists of family, turkey, mash potatoes, gravy, stuffing, ham and don’t forget the pumpkin pie.

Ever since the pilgrims arrived on the Mayflower and ate a meal with the Indians, this holiday stuck, becoming a yearly tradition. Many families celebrate this holiday differently and have their own traditions during this time of year. Some people continue traditions that have been passed down by many generations.

While this day continues to hold a special place in our hearts, junior Deborah Ingerson shares her family’s traditions that they do every year during Thanksgiving on top of her favorite part of Thanksgiving and what she is thankful for.

“Every Thanksgiving our family writes down ten things we are thankful for and we go around the table reading our list,” Ingerson said. “I love Thanksgiving; it’s during fall, which is my favorite season and I just love the food and being able to spend it with family. I’m thankful that I live close to my brother and sister because I get to see them more often and that makes me happy.”

Thanksgiving is a holiday celebrated in the U.S. and Canada. Other countries celebrate holidays similar to Thanksgiving. For example in Korea, Chuseok is a three day harvest festival. Another similar holiday takes place in Germany, called Erntedankfest. Many harvest holidays take place during different times because of the seasonal change and climates in different parts of the world.

All the way from Shanghai, China, Zhao Lai (Shirley), ‘20, shares her insight on Thanksgiving as well as explains how in China they have a similar holiday.

“It is not my first year celebrating Thanksgiving,” Lai said. “I am excited for the Thanksgiving dinner. I expect to eat the pumpkin pie! For this year I will celebrate with my family and my host family. We have ‘Mid Autumn Festival in China. It’s a holiday like Thanksgiving and is also celebrated with family. I will eat a lot of food and moo cake. I am thankful for my family and that we are able to celebrate together this year.”

In America, many different cultures and beliefs form our country. Our country describes itself as a “melting pot”. Many people who live in America do things differently and celebrate holidays in their own unique way.

Zach Aguirre ,’23, tells why he enjoys Thanksgiving and what his traditions consist of, in addition to what he is thankful for.

“My favorite part of Thanksgiving is getting to sit down and talk to my family and say what I’m thankful for,” Aguirre said. “Our family tradition is going for a little walk to digest our food and then we start to see what we’re gonna put out for Christmas like decorations and watch a movie as a family. We usually spend Thanksgiving at my house. I’m thankful for my family and them letting me come to a private Christian school that we have to pay for.”

Many families acquire the same traditions, same foods, and talk about what everyone is thankful for on Thanksgiving. Even though everyone’s traditions tie in to each others in some way, shape or form, they also have their own traditions. Traditions that stick with them forever. Traditions make people who they are. They may be goofy traditions that grandparents make up or something very meaningful like doing something fun with your family. Traditions make holidays, holidays.

For more articles check out, WWII veteran Dr. Fitzalbert Marius encourages students toward service or 99th annual Fresno Veterans Day Parade spotlights Air Force.