For many, the Thanksgiving holiday is a time filled with traditional, family-oriented celebrations, such as watching football and gathering around a crowded table to eat a delicious meal of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie.
However, this stereotypical description does not satisfy everyone’s Thanksgiving memories, as numerous individuals possess more out of the ordinary recollections of this festive time.
Since this holiday is fast approaching, The Feather has collected several stories about past Thanksgivings. Over the next several days, additional stories will be published below.
In addition to these responses, The Feather encourages readers to email their own memorable stories to The Feather until the day after Thanksgiving.
Building relationships at Thanksgiving
Natalie Griffin, ’15
Nov. 21, 2011
Since most of my Thanksgiving memories are generally the same, I don’t have one that stands out in particular. Even so, I look forward to Thanksgiving every year because I enjoy getting together with family and carrying on the tradition. I appreciate a majority of my family getting together in one household to spend time with each other. I thank God every day because He has blessed me with such a closely knit family. It’s great to get together with them every year.
Pacific Grove
Holly Reimer ’13
Nov. 21, 2011
My grandma has a timeshare we stay at every year in Pacific Grove. We cook a ham because most of our family doesn’t like turkey. There are monarch butterflies that migrate to that area this time of year so we go and look at them.
Relax and rejuvenate
Grace MacNeill ’14
Nov. 21, 2011
My family usually goes to my aunt’s house. We all bring food and hang out. My aunt and uncle have a hot tub and a massage chair, so it’s pretty nice.
Pumpkin pie and movies
Theresa Perez, ’13
Nov. 21, 2011
Every year for Thanksgiving, my whole family heads to my aunt’s house for dinner. My mom and I always go early to help make the turkey. My favorite part would have to be making the pumpkin pie. After dinner everyone just hangs out and watches movies.
Motocross at Thanksgiving
Clint Wells, ’13
Nov. 20, 2011
Last year (during Thanksgiving break) my dad and I went to the desert to do some re-training for Motocross. Just doing some nice trail riding is fun since I put in so many laps at the tracks. It was super cold, but it was pretty fun. My family tends to switch up the routine for Thanksgiving, and I am very thankful for what I have.
Grandparents’ last Thanksgiving
Jennifer Smith, ’15
Nov. 16, 2011
My family spent last year’s Thanksgiving in a retirement home visiting my grandparents. They were ecstatic to see us. At the time, I didn’t know that would be my last Thanksgiving with my grandfather. He passed away a few months ago, but I thank God that we were able to spend the day with him. To me, it was one of my most memorable thanksgivings. My grandparents were incredibly thankful that we brought Thanksgiving to them. Seeing them so happy and sharing family love made that Thanksgiving one of the best.
Cutting more than turkey
Johnathon Brushwood, ’15
Nov. 16, 2011
I remember in 2009 I had thanksgiving dinner with family. However the day before was not so great. On the day before, I got a bad injury by cutting my leg open. So on thanksgiving I was in a lot of pain.
