Many centuries ago the pilgrims sat down together to eat and cherish life. Throughout the years, these traditions have changed, but Thanksgiving is still widely celebrated.

     As Covid-19 cases are still fluctuating  and travel restrictions have been put in place this holiday season, people may be doing different things. Most people use Thanksgiving to get together with their families, no matter how big or small. But with everything going on, this might change most people’s plans.

     Culinary teacher, Miss Randy Colin says, “This year, I will be spending Thanksgiving with my son and my brother. It will be the first time since I was a child that Thanksgiving will not will not be a larger gathering.” Even though her family isn’t meeting, it won’t create a disconnect with the holiday. 

     Colin says, “Food is a comfort, and connects us with food  memories; laughter while rolling pie dough, the wonderful aroma of cinnamon in the house, recipes passed down from one generation to the next.” 

     Although these changes may result in families having to cut down on who they see, there are other ways to enjoy one’s Thanksgiving. For example, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a classic morning activity, a lot of families display it on their television.

     Senior, Joey Wydan says, “I will probably just watch the Thanksgiving Day Parade if it is on and spend time with my dad and siblings.”

     This year the parade has plans to still be broadcast, but has a few varying aspects. Some clips will be pre recorded, but most of it will still remain live. The staff has been cut down drastically and the minimal people still there will remain socially distant and wearing masks. It will be on NBC starting at 9am tomorrow. 

     Each year people are thankful for many things they seem fit during that time of year. As for this year there are so many new things in which to give thanks.

     Senior, Annabelle Farrell says, “I’m grateful all my family members are healthy and I’m excited to celebrate with lots of mashed potatoes.” Especially this year, appreciating the health of yourself and family members is very important to remember.

     Alongside having a tradition sit down meal, there are multiple other ways of getting into the Thanksgiving spirit and activities to stay positive. 

     Netflix has an extension where people can watch movies together.

     Another alternative is to cook or bake this holiday season with friends and family. 

     Culinary teacher, Mrs. Bernadette Sobel, says, “My mother used to say that baking was therapeutic and she is right. Baking is always a pleasant activity for me but I prefer to cook. I am always experimenting with recipes.”

     Ways to stay positive this year can be hard, but even if immediate families can only get together, people can still be grateful for that experience. Although times have changed Thanksgiving can still be celebrated and embraced. Eat your stuffing and give thanks. 

     Sobel also mentions how she says positive by, “I am grateful for the technology that keeps us connected. We chat on Facebook messenger regularly and he is able to “come” to our family gatherings…Every day I take delight in the small things, for example, my first cup of Irish tea in the morning, A lovely sunrise on my way to school, and how much I enjoy a good book.”

     Thanksgiving this year will take place on Thursday, November 26, 2020.