By: Vivian O
Every November, we slip into the same routine: decorating for the rally, talk about Thanksgiving break, and hoping the day ends just a bit faster. But behind all the traditions and cozy vibes of Thanksgiving is a complicated history that is honestly more interesting than what we learn about in school (if we learn about it at all).
Long before Europeans settlers arrived, many indigenous nations had their own ceremonies centered around gratitude. These gatherings were often connected to:
- successful harvests
- changes in the seasons
- honoring the land and water
- celebrating the community and survival
These were not small events—with some lasting for days and involving various activities like dancing, storytelling, and shared meals. So, the idea of “giving thanks” has deep indigenous roots that go far beyond what many Americans recognize today.
Many people commonly connect Thanksgiving with the event that happened in 1621 in Plymouth, but it looked nothing like the holiday we are used to now (it was also not called Thanksgiving back then).
That year, the Pilgrims had barely survived their first winter. Nearly half their group had died. Their survival was possible in part because of the Wampanoag people, who had lived in the region for thousands of years; they taught them how to grow crops like corn and how to use the land effectively.
In the fall, the Pilgrims held a three-day harvest gathering.
Around 90 Wampanoag men, led by Ousamequin (Massasoit), came as part of a political alliance.
The food likely included:
- venison (brought by the Wampanoag)
- seafood (fish and shellfish)
- corn, beans, and squash
- wild birds (turkey not included!)
This is often remembered as the “First Thanksgiving,” even though it was not yet a national holiday.
For the next two centuries, different communities held their own thanksgiving days, but they all happened at different times. There was no national standard and no connection to the 1621 gathering… until—Sarah Josepha Hale’s Campaign.
In the mid-1800s, writer and editor Sarah Josepha Hale believed the U.S. needed a unifying holiday; she spent nearly 20 years writing letters, articles, and petitions asking presidents and politicians to make Thanksgiving a national celebration (that’s some serious dedication).
This came to an end when, during the Civil War–one of the most divided moments in American history–President Abraham Lincoln agreed.
In 1863, he declared Thanksgiving a national holiday, hoping it would help Americans feel more connected.
This decision is the true origin of the modern Thanksgiving holiday, not the 1621 feast.
Over the years, Thanksgiving slowly transformed into the holiday we recognized today.
By the early 20th century, Thanksgiving became associated with:
- big family meals
- football games
- traveling to visit relatives
It became more cultural than religious.
Today, Thanksgiving is a mix of different traditions and perspectives.
For many families, it’s mainly about:
- being together
- reflecting on what they are grateful for
- enjoying food and time off (my personal favorite)
At the same time, many Native communities observe the day as a National Day of Mourning.
This day recognizes the painful history that followed European colonization–including the loss of land, culture, and lives. Understanding both sides helps us recognize the holiday’s complexity. Thanksgiving can still be a time of gratitude, but it’s also a chance to learn, reflect, and acknowledge the full history behind it.
In 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved the holiday earlier to help stores extend the holiday shopping season during the Great Depression. The official date became the fourth Thursday of November (after some debate), and we still follow it today!
all pictures from Pinterest
Collected By: Jennifer Y
Thanksgiving is coming up, and many people make food to celebrate and eat with their families. There are classics like mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, stuffing, and turkey. Here are 2 recipes you can try and make for your family!
Ingredients:
12 medium potatoes
Milk
Unsalted Butter (room temperature)
Salt
Steps:
Peel the potatoes and cut them in half
Boil the potatoes for 20-25 minutes
Drain the hot water and transfer the potatoes to a bowl
Lightly mash the potatoes with a mixer or a potato masher
Then, slowly add 1 ¼ cups of hot milk and mix
After mixing, add a tsp of butter at a time
When the potatoes are in a fluffy consistency, add 1 ½ tsp of salt
After mixing completely, the mashed potatoes are done!
Ingredients:
Elbow pasta
Butter
Milk
Half and Half
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Salt
Black Pepper
All-purpose flour
Steps:
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees
While the oven is preheating, cook the pasta noodles and make sure they’re slightly undercooked
Drain and set the pasta aside
On medium heat, add 3 tbsp of butter to the pan
After the butter is melted, add 2 tbsp flour, ½ tsp salt, and ⅛ tsp pepper, and mix
Slowly add 1 ½ cups of milk and ¾ of half and half
Stir constantly over low-medium heat as the consistency thickens for about 5-7 minutes
Turn off the heat and add 1 cup of cheese
Stir until it melts
Next, add the pasta noodles and mix
Then, lightly grease a baking dish
Pour half of the pasta into the baking dish and sprinkle ½ of the shredded cheese
Lastly, pour the remaining mixture and sprinkle more cheese
After you are done, bake it in the oven for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted
by: Heidi P
Loro Piana decor always reflects the brands luxury, warm, and natural textures, soft colored pallets, and elegance with a sense of comfort. The opposite of loud, traditional holiday decoration. Loro Piana leans toward rich materials like cashmere with fabrics of the color brown, cream, and caramel. This makes an elevated atmosphere that feels perfect for Thanksgiving family gatherings.
Pieces that inspire Loro Piana often use high qualities like wool, linen, and cotton. Mixed into the atmosphere of a thanksgiving table in Loro Piana styles often use a warm color like soft or neutral colors like amber colored candles and floral pieces that are dried. The overall feeling is luxurious without flashy, giving the space a warm and inviting warmth.
Together the elements create a thanksgiving environment that feels timeless and effortlessly put together, that feels timeless. Loro Piana fall decor gives comfort and shows the quality made in the craftsmanship, from natural materials, it makes the holiday feel tailored to you. It’s a way of decorating that turns a simple fall gathering into a memory and scenery that’s hard to forget, one that is elegant and cozy as a Loro Piana sweater.
by: Johanna C
Hello Raiders!
Thanksgiving is coming up, and you know what that means – family, friends, football, and the most important part: food. Let’s be honest though… the turkey may get all the hype, but it’s really the sides that make the Thanksgiving meal unforgettable. From mashed potatoes to mac and cheese, the perfect spread of side dishes is all about variety and flavor. Whether you enjoy classic comfort foods or love anything delicious, there is something on the table for everyone.
Of course Thanksgiving is also about sharing and celebrating, meaning there is always room for a little creativity. Whether you stick to basic dishes or add a twist, side dishes are the heart of the feast and what everyone looks forward to the most.
So grab your plates and forks Raiders! Here’s the ultimate lineup of Thanksgiving sides you won’t want to miss.
Fluffy and buttery, mashed potatoes are a Thanksgiving essential. They are the ultimate comfort food that pairs perfectly with gravy or any other dish on your plate.
Before researching I had not heard of green bean casserole. It is a timeless favorite made with green beans, creamy sauce, and crispy onions on top. It is simple and sends flavor to balance with the other side dishes.
Mac and cheese is the side dish that everyone can’t resist! Whether served from the oven or served creamy, it’s the ultimate crowd pleaser.
Often bread based, stuffing is a part of the holiday tradition. It completes the Thanksgiving meal.
Tart and refreshing, cranberry sauce is the perfect complement to turkey and stuffing. It adds a pop of flavor to the meal without overpowering it.
No matter what ends up on your plate this Thanksgiving, these sides will for sure make the meal feel complete. From classics like mashed potatoes to crowd pleasers like mac and cheese, there’s always something for everyone to enjoy. While this list is pretty basic, it has all the essentials for Thanksgiving. Do not be afraid to experiment though, Thanksgiving is all about creativity. So load up your plates and make this Thanksgiving one to remember!
By Matthew A
Pumpkin pie is a classic autumn dessert with a smooth filling made from pumpkin purée and spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. It's baked in a flaky, buttery crust. Often enjoyed with a dollop of whipped cream. It's cozy, nostalgic, and perfect for the crisp fall days.
Pumpkin pie is a classic autumn dessert with a smooth filling made from pumpkin purée and spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. It's baked in a flaky, buttery crust. Often enjoyed with a dollop of whipped cream. It's cozy, nostalgic, and perfect for the crisp fall days.
Cheesecake is a luxurious dessert known for its smooth, creamy texture and subtly tangy flavor. Its filling is made from cream cheese, sugar, and eggs, and rests on a buttery graham cracker crust that adds the perfect hint of crunch. Cheesecake can be enjoyed plain with fresh berries.
Pumpkin rolls are a delightful fall treat featuring a soft, tender pumpkin cake rolled around a layer of sweet cream cheese filling. The cake is infused with warm spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. When sliced, each spiral reveals a beautiful swirl of creamy white frosting against the deep orange cake.
Pumpkin rolls are a delightful fall treat featuring a soft, tender pumpkin cake rolled around a layer of sweet cream cheese filling. The cake is infused with warm spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. When sliced, each spiral reveals a beautiful swirl of creamy white frosting against the deep orange cake.