Siblings coming home during the holiday season is probably my favorite time of the year, because I have an older brother that comes home only a few times a year. This is the same experience for many other younger siblings and students at ThunderRidge. Siblings share such a special relationship that many people don’t even come close to sharing with other members of their family, especially if you’re super close with your siblings.

Student Jacob Lashell (12), shared his experience about his brother coming home for college: “My brother is coming home from Massachusetts, he’s been at college for like 3-4 months now and it’s going to be great seeing him again.” Most people are usually excited about their siblings coming home and they almost always plan things to do while they’re home. “Me and my brothers are going to go dirt biking and ATV riding all break long without breaks.”

Student Emma Mueller (12), said that her brother is coming home from a small town up in Iowa. “My brother, Nathan, is coming home from Dubuque, Iowa where he attends Dubuque University. I'm very excited that he will be home this break because I haven’t seen him in a very long time.” Emma seems very happy that her brother is going to be home for a little. Emma and Nathan were planning on going to a few stores before Thanksgiving so they can make stuffing together like they do every year and also go black Friday shopping together to get stuff for their family. “Nathan and I are going to go to a few stores after Thanksgiving dinner. We are planning on getting my mom and dad a big weighted blanket for their room.” 

Student Greyson Crane (12) has a brother who is coming down from California. He wasn’t able to come down last year due to covid, so this year he is very excited to see him. “I haven’t seen my brother in about a year or so, I'm super excited to see him and hangout with him and finish off our tradition we do every year.'' Greyson and his brother have a tradition where they go to Denver and give out turkeys to the homeless the day of Thanksgiving and Christmas, and, yes, they cook them beforehand. “This year my brother and I are planning on handing out about 15-20 Turkeys for people and families in need.”

Thanksgiving and Christmas are a great way to reconnect with family and friends, and even give back to the people who need it. Break is a great way for families to come together who haven’t seen each other in a few months. Break wasn’t just meant for eating delicious food but it’s also about getting together and doing the things you love to do.