The traditional story of Thanksgiving originated in 1621 and explains how the 53 pilgrims who survived the journey on the Mayflower arrived in North America and shared a three-day feast with 90 Wampanoag Native American people. Now, it is a time to spend with family members and argue about politics.

   Thanksgiving is somewhat of a difficult holiday to celebrate. There are limited Thanksgiving songs, decorations, and Thanksgiving-themed activities.

   However, people are creative. Many families find ways to make the holiday their own, such as with traditions.

   “We normally have a pie fight during dessert,” said Devyn Trotta (12). “My least favorite part is cleaning up after.”

   However, Thanksgiving traditions don’t always have to feature food, even though that is what the holiday is best known for. Some traditions are meant to bring people together using entertainment.

   “My grandparents usually make all the cousins put on a talent show,” explained Ellie Fallows (12). “I play piano for all my cousins to sing and sometimes my little cousin Zack will do a magic trick.”

   Mainly, Thanksgiving is about spending quality time with friends and family. It is a time to share how grateful you are to have these people in your life and celebrate or reminisce about the time you have spent with them.

   “I celebrated with my mom, dad, sister, brother, aunt, and two uncles,” said Hermela Aklilu (12). “I also had a Friendsgiving with my friends and some of my sister’s friends.”

   Thanksgiving isn’t a holiday exclusively for families. Friendsgiving gives people a chance to spend time with people they love outside of their family. For some people, this may be all they have. It is important to let these people know that we are thankful for them and all they do for us.

   “My favorite part of Thanksgiving is sitting around the table the whole day and laughing with everyone. Sometimes we put a movie on and all watch or play games like Uno,” said Aklilu.

   Thanksgiving has changed since that first three-day feast between the English and the Wampanoag peoples, but the meaning remains the same: be thankful for what you have and appreciate the people around you.