Thanksgiving is almost here, and people are getting ready to celebrate this cozy holiday with their families and friends and, of course, their favorite food. Everyone has their unique preferences regarding Thanksgiving dishes, and some families have special traditions that they look forward to each year. COVID-19 has interrupted many social activities this year, and Thanksgiving is no exception. Despite the current circumstances, there are many wonderful things to be grateful for this year.
I interviewed four different students about how they celebrate this holiday, what they are most thankful for, and whether or not the COVID-19 pandemic has uprooted their usual Thanksgiving plans. For reasons of privacy, we will withhold the last names of the students interviewed.
Question: Who will you be celebrating Thanksgiving with this year?
Miles: I will be celebrating Thanksgiving with my family.
Kiera: I’m going to celebrate Thanksgiving with my aunt, uncle, grandparents, family friend, my parents, brother, two cats and five dogs.
Gaia: I believe I will be celebrating Thanksgiving with my mother.
Ava: I’ll be celebrating Thanksgiving with my immediate family this year.
Question: Does your family have any special traditions?
Miles: No.
Kiera: We like to spend time together for the week of Thanksgiving and go on adventures (like hikes and escape rooms) and play games, (like Jenga and Catchphrase) as a family.
Gaia: A tradition I have had for a couple of years has been spending Thanksgiving with some family friends. We play games and other pleasant things, and sometimes my grandmother brings me and my mom Salvadorian Tamales.
Ava: My family always has the traditional Thanksgiving meal of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, etc., and we all go around the table talking about what we’re thankful for during the meal.
Question: Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your usual Thanksgiving plans in any way?
Miles: The pandemic will affect what family members can attend our dinner, and as we get closer to Thanksgiving more limitations may arise.
Kiera: The pandemic affected our celebrations for sure, unfortunately. Our original plans included spending a week with lots of our extended family, but because of the pandemic, we had to modify our gathering.
Gaia: Yes.
Ava: The COVID-19 pandemic has not affected our usual Thanksgivings [sic] plans in a significant way.
Question: What is your favorite Thanksgiving dish?
Miles: I would most definitely have to go with mashed potatoes.
Kiera: Pecan pie and sweet potatoes. Turkey and cranberry sauce are definitely a close second!
Gaia: My favorite dish would probably be Turkey with potatoes and the Salvadorian tamales my family eats.
Ava: My favorite Thanksgiving dish is cranberry sauce – homemade is the best!
Question: What are you thankful for?
Miles: I believe I am most thankful for the fact that none of my family members have been harmed by Covid-19.
Kiera: I am thankful for the opportunities I have been given this year particularly, to spend time with family and explore my passions.
Gaia: I am thankful for the life I have been given, and the opportunities that have presented themselves during confusing times.
Ava: I’m thankful for the many opportunities I’ve been given to pursue my passions, and for being blessed with such an incredible family that supports me in all my ventures.
Thanksgiving is a holiday for spending quality time with your family, your friends, and other important people in your life. Students look forward to the unique ways they enjoy Thanksgiving, from celebrating the traditional way, taking hikes and playing family games, or enjoying special foods. This year, for some students, COVID-19 has mildly impacted their Thanksgiving plans, but that doesn’t mean the holiday will be less enjoyable. When it comes to Thanksgiving foods, some common favorites include turkey, cranberry sauce, and potatoes. There is a lot to be thankful for, and the students express their gratitude for their families and the opportunities they have been gifted with this year.
The Lighthouse 