As the holidays approach here at ERHS, students have been answering what their plans are for Thanksgiving. Holidays such as Thanksgiving give students and anyone else the opportunity to spend time with their families while also enjoying many delicious foods. Many students participated in questionnaires on what Thanksgiving means to them, what they have on their plate, and their preferences.
The idea of turkey being the traditional main course since it was enough to feed a family and is easily accessible. Throughout the years, Thanksgiving has branched into more than just American households.
Thanksgiving can hold many meanings through different cultures. Here at ERHS, many students expressed that Thanksgiving means being grateful for what they have and showing their gratitude to their family. In particular, a student commented that to them it meant “giving thanks to everybody that’s been there for us”. A student mentioned that they had been celebrating Thanksgiving before coming to America. To her, she sees Thanksgiving as “an excuse to bake a bunch for the family, and then we hang out at dinner together”. In addition, a fellow student noted that the holiday “means families getting together and gathering, people traveling to see each other”, and lastly added “sharing just to celebrate being human and being alive”. Being able to come together on a special day with your family whether you’re eating, baking, or playing games, allows you the chance to create fun and memorable memories that you will be able to share and cherish.
While it is nice to hear what this holiday means to students here at ERHS, it is more exciting to know what traditional foods students are eating. For starter’s a student from Cameroon stated that a traditional food they eat on Thanksgiving is called “ Taro” which is a soup. Another student who is from Jamaica noted that for their family dinner, they incorporate “Curry chicken” and many different kinds of “Jerk Chicken” recipes. Lastly, a student from El Salvador stated that for her family, a traditional food they eat is made by her mom, it is called “Pan con pollo” and many more delicious foods. All across the globe, millions of people have their traditional foods that represent their country, and what better way to acknowledge your country than on Thanksgiving, whether you are giving someone else the opportunity to try your traditional foods or the other way around.
Many people believe that because we are still in Fall, people will eat Pumpkin pie, but here at ERHS majority of students voted that Apple pie is and always will be the better choice of pie than Pumpkin Pie.
Thanksgiving allows students to honor family and traditions. As we can see, ERHS students are ready for the holidays and flaunt their cultures. ERHS is a community where diversity and union can flourish.
