4 minute read
The Warm Feeling of Thanksgiving
Written by Sami Cohen.
Thanksgiving, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, has evolved into one of the most cherished holidays in the United States.
Officially declared a national holiday in 1863, Thanksgiving is now synonymous with family gatherings, elaborate feasts, the NFL Thanksgiving Day football games, the National Dog Show, and the world-renowned Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Yet, beyond these festive traditions, Thanksgiving is about more than just food and entertainment; it’s about giving thanks and reflecting on the year’s blessings.
To get a sense of what Thanksgiving looks like to different families, five Upper School students shared their favorite foods, what they’re thankful for, and what they most enjoy about the holiday.
For many, food is one of the highlights of Thanksgiving.
Rowan Barwick (‘27) spoke fondly of her grandmother’s mashed potatoes: “They are so good, and we make them together, which makes them even better.”
Vanessa Brandt (‘25), however, had a different favorite: “My favorite Thanksgiving food is gravy Genuinely, I put gravy on everything, and I look forward to gravy season every year. My plate is always gravy with a side of turkey and mashed potatoes.”
Liza Grimes (‘25) shared her family’s unusual stuffing recipe made with oysters: “It sounds interesting, but I swear it’s absolutely delicious.”
Aliyah Kasimov (‘25) sticks with a classic choice: “Turkey, because it’s a staple of Thanksgiving, and I love the tradition.”
Own Moor ('26), however, has a soft spot for sweet potato casserole, a dish that reminds him of making it with his aunt when she lived in Charlotte: "I have a lot of great memories of making it with her," he said.
Thanksgiving is also a time to reflect on what truly matters.
When asked what they are thankful for, Rowan kept it simple: “My family.”
Vanessa expressed gratitude for her health, pointing out that “a lot of people take it for granted, but it’s so important.”
Liza emphasized the support system she has: “I’m really fortunate to have amazing parents, teachers, and peers who encourage me through everything I have a lot of responsibilities, but their support makes it easier.”
Aliyah echoed Rowan’s sentiment, saying she’s thankful for both her friends and family.
Owen shared that he is especially thankful for his parents: “They’ve supported everything I’m passionate about, even when it can be annoying for them, like all of my music.”
When it comes to the holiday itself, the students shared their favorite traditions.
For Rowan, the best part of Thanksgiving is seeing her extended family, especially her cousins: “We live far apart, but we get along so well, and I love that we can all be together.”
Vanessa enjoys the relaxed nature of Thanksgiving: “It’s such a low-stress holiday You wake up late, turn on the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and spend the day cooking with Christmas music in the background. It definitely marks the beginning of the holiday season.”
Liza enjoys helping her parents cook, even if she admits she’s “not very good at it.” She usually bakes pies and sweet treats and looks forward to watching the parades and the National Dog Show: “Thanksgiving is just a good time to take a breath and relax with family. Well, after I run the Turkey Trot, which is another family tradition.”
Aliyah loves spending quality time with her extended family and making new memories each year.
Owen mentioned that his mom insists the family run the Turkey Trot every year: “After that, though, we watch the Thanksgiving Day Parade and hang out with my grandparents.”
At its heart, Thanksgiving signifies togetherness, traditions, and the joy of being with loved ones."
