What does Thanksgiving Mean to you?

Hope you all have your turkeys, hams, casseroles, and pies in order because Thanksgiving is just around the corner! This year, Thanksgiving lands on Thursday, November 23, 2017, and we have no school on Wednesday and Friday. Thanksgiving today stems from the feast held way back in 1621, so it’s only expected to have traditions different from those the pilgrims and native Americans had. In such a diverse school, everyone has their own culture and it’s fascinating to hear all about it.

Although Thanksgiving is predominantly celebrated here in America and in Canada, Latin traditions have found their place into the holiday, especially relative to the food. This is all very clear when students talk about what they do at home for the holiday and their favorite foods to have on the table. Freshman Gabriela Laudo tells us her family makes an amazing turkey while senior Daniela Angel’s family puts a Cuban twist on their feast saying she eats “pork instead of turkey and rice instead of potatoes.” Of course, we have the usual favorites represented as well, including sophomore Rebecca Suao’s pumpkin pie.

With all the amazing food you’d think people would forget the true meaning of Thanksgiving but many Ferguson students knew and appreciated exactly what they were most thankful for. Many people were grateful, from family to girlfriends and junior Maria Celeste Hernandez, who is most thankful for the opportunity to be here in America. Senior Arielle André says “I’m thankful for my family and all the friends that I have and that everyone’s in good health,” showing how big a difference your loved ones can make in your life and what a perfect time it is to acknowledge them and spread that love.

In the realm of loved ones are family, friends, and all those who fill the places at the table and make Thanksgiving worth celebrating. Everyone has their own traditions that make the holidays special which include family gatherings, lots of fun, and a lot more food. In every home, there’s something special but the gem of the holiday is the Thanksgiving feast- a tradition still holding strong since 1621. Most people take this time of the year to just be grateful for everything that has happened to them over the year for better or for worse and appreciates everyone close to them be it through a huge family dinner or watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade.

Thanksgiving marks the start of the holiday season and is definitely a favorite among students. It gives us a day to celebrate everything life has given us whether it be family, love, or a great time with our friends. This year take the time to tell those you appreciate how much you care and make sure to enjoy all that delicious Thanksgiving food whether it’s tamales or a stuffed turkey. From all of us here from the Ferguson Talon, have a great Thanksgiving!