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What's the True Meaning of Thanksgiving
By Ashlyn Hillman
Thanksgiving is a time to get together with your loved ones and be thankful for what you have. A lot of people take this holiday for granted. They figure that Thanksgiving is just for stuffing your face with food and gaining a few pounds. People should try and experience the true meaning of Thanksgiving by celebrating it in the right way.
Americans need to be more thankful for all the things they have in life and all of their benefits. If we were to take a step back from our lives, we would see how blessed we truly are. Most people have houses with heating for those cold winters and food on their plates. Imagine not having your phone, social media, a nice bed to sleep in, a roof over your head or food in your fridge.
This year we should take the time and finally realize that we should be thankful for all that we have. Take time to thank your mom or dad for the dinner they made for you. You can help someone in need or maybe donate money to a homeless foundation. Please use this time and help those in need and be thankful of what you have.
Teamwork Makes The Dream Work
By Leah Krause and Bryan Henson
In every account of the first thanksgiving, it is said that the people that came over from Europe off of the Mayflower and the Native Americans sat down to enjoy a meal. They did this together to celebrate the good fortune they both were experiencing due to their collaboration. But, because of American history with Native Americans, some people believe this isn't quite true.
American history is tainted with the foul treatment of the Indians, dating back to when this continent was first discovered. One person who believes that there is a different story behind Thanksgiving is Gale Flurry Toensing of Indian Country Today. Toensing says that “It was made up.” His evidence? “Lincoln used the theme of pilgrims and Indians eating and living happily together. During the civil war, when people were divided, he used this theme to calm people down. It was like a nice unity story.”
So, did the two groups actually get along, or is the whole story wrong? The real story is this: The colonists really did have a very good connection with the Wampanoag nation. John Carver, a man off the Mayflower, signed a treaty with the Indians leader, Chief Yellow Feather. This treaty offered both sides protection from their enemies, and started their good relationship.
Although Americans have treated Native Americans terribly throughout history, we can all say that the story of Thanksgiving really is something to be thankful for. It represents the setting aside of differences to be thankful for what we have, and for those around us.
Turkey Day?
By Mark Johnson
Turkeys are the go to bird for Thanksgiving. But why not chickens, you ask? Is it disrespectful if we stuff a Canadian goose? We may never know. Below, are some popular edible birds. Try to find the roasted turkey.
None of these pictures are of a turkey. From first to last these birds are Canadian goose, free range chicken, White Pekin duck, and Wild North African Ostrich. These birds can look just as delicious as a any turkey.
Turkey has always been the famous Thanksgiving bird, but we don't even know if the pilgrims really ate turkey. One pilgrim named Edward Winslow wrote a letter about how the pilgrims went on a turkey hunt before their Thanksgiving feast. However, no one even knows if they caught one. For all we know they could have speared a large rat and called it a turkey. One thing we do have in common with the pilgrims is that we spend Thanksgiving with our friends and family and enjoy whatever's on the table. It doesn't matter what you eat for Thanksgiving because all families are different and that's what makes family traditions special. For you, maybe turkey has nothing to do with your Thanksgiving meal and that's okay.
So if you're looking to change up your Thanksgiving traditions, maybe you should stuff a Canadian goose for once. You never know, it might be the next big thing.
By Mickayla Kowalski
By Mickayla Kowalski
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