Too much holiday flavor leaves a bad taste in students’ mouths

The best thing about a Thursday is that it’s the day before Friday. While many impatiently await the weekend, Thursdays often get overlooked. Thanksgiving is no exception.
Turkey day is that awkward holiday “sandwiched” between Halloween and Christmas, often overshadowed by trick or treating, pumpkin-spiced lattes and Santa Claus. While this fourth Thursday of every November is supposed to symbolize a sustaining friendship between those who are different, it is often stigmatized as the pre-Black Friday waiting period, or the day that Publix is closed. As a holiday that has its own nationally televised parade sponsored by Macy’s, this particular pre-weekend celebration hardly receives recognition from retailers.
Jennifer Levin, a junior and marketing major, is particularly annoyed by the lack of attention that the November holiday receives.
“Retailers playing Christmas music in early November shows just how materialistic our society has become,” Levin said. “It’s pitiful. Christmas is about more than just music, gifts and candy canes.”
While Levin does not like all of the Christmas hype so early in the season, she cannot escape the retail frenzy of Black Friday.
“I’ll most likely be working this year,” she said. “I do love Christmas music and all of the festivities, including Black Friday. I just think that retailers playing Christmas music two months before the actual holiday and having stores open on Thanksgiving is a little crazy. It takes away from what Thanksgiving and Christmas are all about. [Plus] the lines aren’t really worth it.”
One student, Stephanie Smith, a sophomore majoring in theater, does not want Thanksgiving to lose its value. Every year she joins her family in upholding their tradition of giving thanks to one another over a special meal.
“I celebrate Thanksgiving with my immediate family and neighbors,” Smith said. “We all meet on the East Coast in Wellington, eat dinner, and enjoy each other’s company.”
Watching football, especially her favorite team, the New York Giants, and the Macy’s day parade on television with her family are just a few of Smith’s plans for the holiday. She wants to use her days off letting the people closest to her know that she appreciates them.
“I celebrate Thanksgiving because I think it is important to be thankful for all the opportunities I have had in my life,” Smith said. “It is an opportunity to let my family and everyone around me know that I am thankful for what they do for me.”
Hayley Andrews, a freshman studying hospitality management, feels that more emphasis should be put on the holiday before it gets gobbled up by Halloween and Christmas. She and her family are serious about their Thanksgiving celebration.
“It is an all-day event,” Andrews said. “It is a big deal, like a party. All of my family comes together. It is our favorite holiday.”
Fortunately for tradition and food-lovers alike, Florida Gulf Coast University has not forgotten about this annual feast.  Student Government will be hosting their first annual “We Are Family” Thanksgiving potluck on Nov. 26 at 6:30 p.m.
“We want to provide students with a special dinner with the comfort of their peers, friends and Eagle family around,” Student Body President Juan Cubillo said. “We want students who cannot go home or don’t have a family to spend the holidays with to count on us for a special night.”
The event will be held in the Cohen Center Ballroom. Students wishing to gobble up this opportunity must RSVP to [email protected].