Thanksgiving, the holiday to be thankful for all the amazing things in people’s lives or for some people a holiday of delicious foods. 

   FACS teacher Ashley Newberry celebrates Thanksgiving because of tradition and the things she is thankful for.

   “I celebrate it because it is just something my family has always done,” Newberry said. “Haha  But also, I have so many things to be thankful for and I do try to slow down on Thanksgiving and really think about those blessings.”

   Senior Brooklyn Guillory celebrated Thanksgiving to reunite and spend time with family and friends.

   “I celebrate Thanksgiving because it is a holiday that allows me to catch up with family that I have possibly grown distant from during the rest of the year,” Guillory said. “We are able to reunite doing something we love, cooking and eating together. It is always an important experience, especially from my childhood, so I’m always happy to keep the tradition alive even as I get older.” 

   Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful for those in their lives, but also a time for delicious family homemade foods.

   “We eat all the traditional foods,” Newberry said. “This year we are smoking a turkey breast and having all the trimmings..mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, stuffing, homemade hot rolls, broccoli rice casserole, sweet potato casserole, etc.  And of course homemade pies with homemade whipped cream.”

    The variety of foods was the incredible part of Thanksgiving as there were many to choose from.

    “It is difficult to really pin down just a few things that I like to eat on Thanksgiving because I’m really not too picky and definitely always eat way too much,” Guillory said. “But I’d have to say some of my favorite foods are mac and cheese, cheesy potatoes, balsamic vinegar brussel sprouts, and good old fashioned yeast rolls. Then for dessert I’m not the biggest fan of pie, but I’ll always save room for a slice of pecan pie.”

    As the holiday had been stressful to many people. People dealt with it by relaxing and spending time with friends and family.

   “Sometimes Thanksgiving can be stressful in preparation of the day and the process of cooking,” Guillory said. “In my family it’s difficult to please everyone because my mom and dad’s sides of the family have different Thanksgivings. But in the end everything is relaxing and I’m able to just enjoy the company of friends and family over some of the best meals. I’m able to taste so many different meals from people bringing in their traditional entrees and desserts. Then after we’re absolutely stuffed I love just being able to laugh and talk with my relatives and play games outside if it’s not too cold yet.”

    What made Thanksgiving special was the gratitude to what people had and not what could have been.

   “I have so much to be thankful for…family, friends, my job,” Newberry said. “The fact that my mom who has stage 4 cancer is still fighting and doing pretty well, even three years into her cancer battle.  Really, every day is a gift.”

    People were thankful for many things; each person had different things to be thankful for around Thanksgiving.

   “I am thankful for so many things this year and especially as I near the end of my high school career I’m able to appreciate life a lot more,” Guillory said. “I’m thankful for all the amazing friendships I’ve gained and continued this year along with the family that is always there to support me through my biggest challenges and into adulthood. I’m also so very thankful for my schooling and ability to have so much knowledge at my fingertips in academics and the activities I’m involved in like band.”