Thanksgiving: turkey, traditions, and thanks
By Monica Sudfield | Published Nov. 28, 2017
According to National Public Radio, a law was passed in 1941 stating Thanksgiving would be held on the third Thursday of November. Credit: Monica Sudfield
People from all over scramble to their destinations to ensure the holiday is filled with family, loved ones and mouth-watering meals. USA Today declares Thanksgiving one of the top 10 busiest travel days of the year.
In the United States, certain traditions are expected to occur on Thanksgiving Day. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will go on in New York City, turkey and pie will be prepared and football will be watched. Let’s not forget post festivities of the holiday, including Black Friday shopping, that within the past few years, have started even earlier than Friday with malls opening Thursday evening.
Over the years, families have created their own traditions and have even added their own dishes to the typical feast.
“My mom makes these cheesy potatoes where she basically makes a baked potato but she takes out the potato and mixes it with sour cream, bacon bits and cheese,” said Kristen Calderoni, an English major senior. “She then adds more cheese on top and bakes it for five extra minutes.”
Because the US is filled with so many cultures, it is common for Thanksgiving dinner to no longer only include the specific foods associated with the holiday.
Margie Rosado, junior majoring in communication media and film, not only enjoys turkey at her family’s Thanksgiving dinner, but also a dish prepared in Spanish culture.
“We cook what we call pernil, which is pork shoulder,” said Rosado. “We also make macaroni salad, potato salad and your regular green salads as well.”
Credit: Monica Sudfield
Mashable.com recognizes dishes beyond turkey that have become more common at holiday meals. Dishes from Eastern Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Italy and South America are great substitutes or additions to the classic feast.
When we indulge in such feasts, it’s easy to forget what the holiday is really all about. With our family and loved ones surrounding us, it is important to reflect on what we are thankful for.
Michelle Rodriquez, senior majoring in PR, said she is most thankful for her family and being healthy. Her boyfriend Nicholas Margolin, also a senior, agreed with her.
“I am thankful for good health and the people I am close to,” the computer science major said.
Rosado and Calderoni also shared they are thankful for their loved ones, but each of them included another thing they are grateful for.
“I am most thankful for being alive,” said Calderoni. “Everyday is a new adventure and I’m always learning something new. Not everyday is promised so living each day as if it were your last is a big deal to me.”
Rosado gave a little shout out to Kean by saying, “I am thankful that I have the opportunity to attend college.”
There are so many things people are thankful for that slip their minds on a dayto-day basis. This holiday is a chance to highlight the little things.
Wherever you travel this Thanksgiving, or whoever travels to you, enjoy spending time with the loved ones you may not always have the chance to see.
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