By Nikki Headley
Traditions are things many people do because it’s what they have always known. With Thanksgiving coming just around the corner, it’s about that time to go visit those family members or friends you have not seen all year. Many people may think that everyone does the same thing, but that isn’t true. People can differ in many ways.
Several people may eat on Thanksgiving and spend time with family members. Lee Hodgson, sophomore at AUM, “sits at home and her mom cooks and we have people over.” This may seem like a normal Thanksgiving to most people, but that does not make it any less special. For some, this is their definition of Thanksgiving.
Another student, junior Marlee Damrel, goes to Texas every year to see her aunt. She doesn’t eat turkey like you would expect, though. “We eat a lot of Tex-Mex,” Damrel said, which is a style of cuisine combining American and Mexican influences. This is not your typical Thanksgiving, but it is important to Damrel, and that is what counts for her during the season of Thanksgiving.
Helen Bellingheri and her family have Thanksgiving at their friends’ house. Bellingheri said that everyone brings a dish, and this ultimately makes Thanksgiving a less expensive affair. Bellingheri explained that they “pray and give thanks for what we have and then everyone groups off.” She is spending time with people that are important to her. This proves that you do not have to spend your Thanksgiving with all of your family members; all that matters is that you are doing what makes you happy.
Thanksgiving can mean many things to different people. In the end, it doesn’t matter if you stay at home for Thanksgiving or go on a trip. The important thing about traditions is that you are following them based on what you think is important. So if you are sticking to old traditions or starting new ones, think about why you have them. All that matters is that you, your friends, and family have a joyful experience.
Photo courtesy of Nikki Headley