Giving Thanks on Thursday

The first Thanksgiving was in 1621 with the pilgrims and the Wampanoag Native Americans.  Thanksgiving, on the fourth Thursday of November, became a national holiday in the United States in 1941.  Today we celebrate this holiday to stop and give thanks for what we have.  November 25th through the 27th was a break from school for Nebo District students.  Students and teachers at SJHS have a lot to be thankful for.

Everyone has different traditions for what to do on Thanksgiving Day.  Some have an annual family football game, or watch Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.  Aubrey Wasden, a seventh grader, rides four wheelers at her family’s cabin.  Caitlin Dinkel, another seventh grader, watches the Macy’s parade. 

“Over the river and through the woods, to Grandmother’s house we go,” used to be where almost everyone went for Thanksgiving, now it’s sometimes a little different.  Anne Kawai, an eighth grader, switches off from staying home or going to her grandparents’ house.  Aubrey eats her Thanksgiving feast at her cabin.  Caitlin doesn’t have to travel anywhere, she eats it at home. 

Thanksgiving is sometimes known as “Turkey Day,” because turkey is often the main meal at Thanksgiving feasts.   Mrs. Elizabeth Bass, an eighth and ninth grade English teacher, said, “For Thanksgiving dinner, we normally have a traditional meal with turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, green bean casserole and pumpkin pie.”

Thanksgiving is the time to stop and give thanks for what we have.  Living in the United States brings many blessings and freedoms by itself.  According to Anne, she is thankful for her friends and family.  Mrs. Bass said, “I am thankful for my family and my health.” What were you thankful for?