Digging into Thanksgiving traditions
Megan Luckart
Megan Luckart
Thanksgiving Day is a time for loved ones to come together and reflect on what they’re grateful for. Many students and staff spend the holiday helping in the Kitchen, traveling to visit relatives or volunteering in the community.
“My family always hosts dinner, so I love cooking with my mom and watching football afterward,” said Ava Martinez(11). Others use the break to relax after a busy fall semester and gear up for finals.
Whether it’s enjoying a classic turkey dinner or sharing a meal with friends, Thanksgiving offers everyone at Riverton High a chance to pause, appreciate the good things in life and reconnect with loved ones before the winter rush begins.
For many families, Thanksgiving follows long held traditions centered around turkey, travel and time together. For Kayla Edwards, a teacher at Riverton High, the holiday looks a little different.
Photo Courtesy of Country Living Magazine
Photo showing spread of traditional Thanksgiving dishes.
Edwards' family does celebrate Thanksgiving, though she admits her favorite part is simply enjoying the day off. Unlike many people, she isn’t a big fan of turkey, which she considers her least favorite Thanksgiving tradition. Instead, her family has created their own unique twist on the holiday meal: they skip the turkey altogether and opt for steak or homemade pizzas, which is an uncommon but memorable tradition.
When it comes to favorite dishes, Edwards’ favorite sides are Macaroni and cheese and stuffing, because they add a comforting and familiar touch to her family's Thanksgiving menu.
Edwards’ interview shows that Thanksgiving doesn’t have to follow the usual pattern; sometimes the best traditions are the ones families create themselves. There are several other ways people can celebrate thanksgiving.
Elizabeth Burget (10) looks forward to Thanksgiving every year, and it’s easy to see why. She says she loves everything about it, from the traditions to the time spent together.
One of the most unique parts of Burger's Thanksgiving is the dinner conversation. While many families stick to familiar topics, Elizabeth says hers dives into “the strangest subjects,” making each year entertaining and memorable.
Her favorite part of the holiday is getting to see her whole family gathered in one place. However, not every Thanksgiving dish wins her over. Elizabeth admits that her least favorite part of the meal is the cranberries, something she avoids each year.
Elizabeth's interview shows that Thanksgiving can be both meaningful and amusing, especially when family and unexpected conversations are at the center of it.