Thanksgiving is a time when many people come together with family, enjoy traditions, and reflect on what they are most grateful for. Even though everyone celebrates differently, the holiday remains a meaningful moment to appreciate loved ones and the things that matter most.
For Daeden Brown, Thanksgiving means gathering at her grandmother’s house with her entire family. She enjoys watching movies, going to parades, and helping by cooking and cleaning. Even though Turkey is prepared every year despite most of her family not liking it, she still looks forward to the car ride, listening to music, and having no school. Daeden is especially grateful for her dog, saying, “Something I’m most grateful for is my dog Poppy. She is the sweetest thing, and everyone in my neighborhood loves her.” She also helps prepare dishes like collard greens, sweet potatoes, and occasionally macaroni and cheese.
Gabriella Windsor begins Thanksgiving with a family prayer and a moment where everyone shares what they are thankful for. She also volunteers at a community event that serves food. Her traditions include watching movies, cleaning, and setting up the table. Gabriella is most grateful for her cat, explaining, “She is with me during all my ups and downs, and I couldn’t ask for a better cat.” She also looks forward to seeing her younger cousins, whom she loves babysitting.
For Brian Hernandez, Thanksgiving centers around family and food. One of his traditions is attending a soccer tournament where his uncles play. He is especially grateful for his father, saying, “My dad has been with me my whole soccer journey, and he’s a big help with everything.” Because many guests visit his home, Brian helps by cleaning the entire house.
Allan Sosa sees Thanksgiving as a rare chance for his family to spend a full day together. He celebrates by visiting a waterfront area, talking about what he’s thankful for, and going to church. Allan feels grateful for everything his parents have provided, stating, “My parents worked very hard to give me everything I have.” His family does not cook turkey; instead enjoying homemade soup, and he looks forward to seeing his extended family and strengthening his relationship with his girlfriend.
For Dylan Araujo-Garcia, Thanksgiving is a calm day spent at home watching TV with his family. He is grateful for his car, something he worked hard to earn, sharing, “I’m most grateful for my car because I worked very hard for it.” Although he does not have many traditions, Dylan helps by cleaning and also spends part of the day helping at church with his aunt.
No matter how different each celebration may be, the heart of Thanksgiving remains the same: spending time with loved ones, appreciating what you have, and sharing moments of gratitude.
