On November 28, people will be celebrating the notorious Thanksgiving. Often summed up to just food and gratitude, Thanksgiving isn’t always given the respect it deserves for the importance it has to families across America, even across Wheeling Park. At our school alone, there are so many varying traditions that may seem small, but mean so much to the families who do them year after year.
Thanksgiving has developed in a major way since the original back in 1621 with the Pilgrims and Native Americans. Instead of focusing on an alliance and building a positive relationship with two groups of people, it now has developed into a family event for the ages.
Sociology teacher Mr. Beltrondo said, “Thanksgiving has always focused on sharing a meal with friends and/or family. One tradition in most households is moving from the children’s table to the adult table. As a child your schedule might’ve been waking up, watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, and eating. As an adult, you might have more responsibilities such as cooking or setting the table. Other activities might include talking about careers, washing dishes, packing up leftovers, or babysitting.”
Since Thanksgiving has become such an important staple in American culture, we have all developed our own traditions and ways to celebrate the day. At Wheeling Park alone, there are several different traditions practiced year after year.
Connor Kiziminski said, “My grandma finds a peppermint pig and we would usually say what we wish for and then hit the pig with a hammer and then afterwards we’d eat it.”
“We go to Nutcracker Village in Steubenville, and then all the girls in my family go Black Friday Shopping,” said Addison Wall.
Miriam Halicki said, “Sometimes the people in my family from Philadelphia will come down and have dinner and watch a movie with us.”
“My grandparents come up and we have a big dinner and it’s a little fun get-together,” said Tori Canestraro.
Emily Ross said, “The past few years I have been going to Utah and spending time with my uncle.”
“I always wake up Thanksgiving morning and go on a run, and then I watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. I cook and then I go to my parents’ house to watch some football and eat,” said Ms. Farrow.
Gianna Landis said, “Something that my family does is we all specialize in one dish and then everybody brings that one dish to Thanksgiving.”
Aside from traditions, even if you feel you don’t do anything unique or special for the holiday, everyone has their own interpretation of what Thanksgiving means to them.
“Getting together with your family and reminding everyone what you’re thankful for and reflecting,” said Sarah Craycraft.
Gianna Landis said, “Thanksgiving means being able to get together with my family and enjoy quality time and really just be thankful for the things we have been given over the years.”
“I think it’s just a good holiday to pause and relax and hang out with friends and family, and just kind of think of all of the good things you have in your life and what you should be thankful for,” said Ms. Farrow.
Emily Ross said, “Coming together with family and eating really good food and just spending time with each other.”
“For our family, it’s really just food,” said Miriam Halicki.
Connor Kiziminski said, “Having a break from school and having a nice time.”
“Family and quality time is what Thanksgiving means to me,” said Addison Wall.
Overall, the Thanksgiving holiday is a beautiful event of togetherness that so many families at Wheeling Park and across the country celebrate. Whether you smash a peppermint pig, take a run before the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, or just eat some food with your close friends and family, everyone has their own traditions they honor every year.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone at Wheeling Park!
