It’s that time of year again folks. The time to spend with friends and family. The time to give thanks for all that we’re grateful for. Thanksgiving is such a special time of year for so many people. Whether it be having a big meal on Thanksgiving day or putting up Christmas decorations the following day, students are looking forward to the small break to celebrate and come together. 

“I’m heading to Miami to spend Thanksgiving with my family,” junior Justine Padron said. “In the morning we watch the Macy’s day parade and the dog show then at night we have a Cuban/American style dinner with the whole family.”

Over the years my Thanksgiving traditions have changed. In the past, everyone in my family gathered at someone’s house and we’d have a big feast. We’d all pray and enjoy the different meals each family brought. I miss those days. One thing that has never changed is waking up early on Thanksgiving day to watch the Macy’s Day parade just like Padron. 

I am not a morning person, but Thanksgiving is the one day of the year I willingly wake up before 8 a.m. No matter how old I get or how many traditions change, watching the parade is one thing that I don’t want to lose. It’s the most important tradition for me and I’ve been doing it since I was a little girl. 

I’m originally from New York, however, I’ve never watched the parade in person. I plan on returning to New York to pursue a career in acting and my goal is to watch the parade in person. Another goal that is more far-fetched is to one day get to perform in the Macy’s day parade. It would be a dream come true. 

As fun as gathering around a TV is, the most important part for most people is spending the day with the ones they love. 

“One Thanksgiving tradition my family and I love to do every year is going around the room and saying what we are thankful for,” junior Ronique Bobb said. “I always say that I’m thankful to have my entire family sitting at the table together.”

Thanksgiving is a day to show kindness and care to the ones who have made a difference in your life and thank them for their efforts. Sometimes the little things are what matter the most. Sometimes all you need is to be surrounded by love. 

“I celebrate Thanksgiving with my family,” senior Sebastian Mercado said. “We usually cook and eat dinner together as a family on the dining room table. Afterward, we choose a movie to all watch together and spend the night peacefully.”

Some families watch football games and others may do arts in crafts. For a lot of people, the experience is what matters the most, not necessarily the activity. Being together on a special day meant giving thanks and showing why you’re grateful. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!