Thanksgiving

Most everyone knows the stories of Thanksgiving. While the stories may vary, the most common include the Pilgrims celebrating the abundance of food from a good harvest. The Pilgrims were settlers that came over from Europe. The Pilgrims and the Native Americans came together in unity to celebrate the first Thanksgiving. The first Thanksgiving was in 1621, which is over 400 years ago. However, it wasn’t until 1863 that it became an official holiday. The most common food and symbol of Thanksgiving is the turkey which was originally not at the first Thanksgiving.

Lots of traditions have evolved over the years from 1621 to 1863 to today. For example, they didn’t use to have football games broadcasted on televisions and massive parades down a street in New York as we do now. Thanksgiving is not only for eating tons of food and celebrating. It is a time that brings people together and a time to give thanks. It is also a time for people to reflect on the past year and be grateful for what they have and help give to those in need. Every family and community celebrates Thanksgiving in their own way with traditions passing down from generation to generation and new traditions being made.

Thanksgiving doesn’t just have one meaning, it means something else to each person. Assistant Principal, Zeb Hayward, said Thanksgiving to him is, “a great opportunity to connect with family around food but it's really about just pausing and reflecting. There is no stress of buying presents. There is the stress of cooking but it is really about enjoying time together.” Mr. Hayward is thankful for his happy and healthy family and his opportunities.