As autumn leaves begin to blanket the grounds of Mont Belvieu, citizens have eagerly begun to stuff away the spooky decorations of Halloween and replace them with the classic pumpkins, scarecrows, and cornucopias of Thanksgiving. Smell that? It is the comforting scent of cinnamon, roasted turkey, and hard apple cider rising from the chimneys and open windows of every house on the block. These nostalgic elements lie at the heart of a classic, stereotypical Thanksgiving celebration. But how do our students and their families truly celebrate the holiday by adding their own traditions and customs?
For hard-working junior Emma Goddard, Thanksgiving gets a little crazy.
“With 5 siblings under one roof for the holiday, everything seems wild. It is always loud and someone is always crying or arguing with one another,” Goddard said, “but when everyone quiets down and we all sit around the dinner table, the chaos transforms into a meaningful moment with my family that makes everything worth it.”
In the midst of disorder, the Thanksgiving holiday becomes a memorable event for Goddard. Despite the constant clutter and disagreements, the special time spent at the dinner table when everyone expresses their gratitude transforms the celebration into a true heartfelt experience.
For debate participant Kaden Farrington however, Thanksgiving is spent around his closest friends.
“Around the holiday time, my friends and I host a Friendsgiving dinner. We usually cook together, play games, and have lots of fun. It’s like a second family, and I love those moments” Farrington said.
Thanksgiving is more than simply a family gathering for Kaden; it’s a time to celebrate friendship. Farrington and his closest friends create a cozy, social atmosphere where they interact over shared meals, play games, and make enduring memories, which makes the holiday season even more meaningful for him.
For theatrical technician Sydney Aslin, Thanksgiving means giving back to her community through volunteering.
“My family and I volunteer at local shelters, serving meals to those in need. I just love knowing that I am making a difference in people’s lives during the holiday season. Even though the workload can get overwhelming sometimes, seeing the smiles on the faces of the less fortunate makes all the effort worthwhile.”
Aslin’s commitment to volunteering embodies the spirit of Thanksgiving, which is a time to give back to those in need. Her participation with her family at local shelters demonstrates the powerful strength of kindness. Even though she constantly labors while working, her perseverance is rewarded when she observes the true delight and thankfulness of those in need.
At Barbers Hill, Thanksgiving is more than just a holiday; it is a way to connect with the ones we love and establish memories that will last a lifetime. Even though we all celebrate the season differently, Thanksgiving will always serve as a reminder of the friends and family we have. From the classic Thanksgiving feast to the creative traditions we have developed, the joyous holiday will continue to unite our community in the spirit of gratitude and togetherness.
