Giving Thanks

Source: Katrina Frederick / For the Times

Between the countless tests, extracurricular activities, competitions, and tournaments, the week before Thanksgiving remains one of the most challenging academic weeks of the year. Of course, the AP Exam weeks in May and the pre-Christmas stretch are also painful, but this year’s Thanksgiving break seemed to take forever to commence. It’s hard to remember the “true meaning” of the holiday when balancing a mountain of stress. Finding things to be grateful for can be overshadowed by the excitement of family reunions and the sweet taste of cranberries.

The week before Thanksgiving serves more purpose than just getting through with gruesome assignments. Because of the hard work and struggles of the week before, Thanksgiving week shines brightly as a break from the busy world of school. It’s time for all Vestavia students to spend time with family, eat delicious turkey, and remember our thanks.

Sometimes, it can be hard to find something to be grateful for when overburdened with assignments and comparisons. While many express thanks for their family, friends, and security, many students will also profusely thank those who began the Thanksgiving tradition simply for bringing along a week break.

Thanksgiving’s traditions have developed and evolved as they are passed down through history. Much of our conception of Thanksgiving now, with the accepted traditions, meals, and practices, is actually historically inaccurate. Since Thanksgiving is a primarily American holiday, and as is common in American culture, it shifts through the collaboration of cultures. So, what really started this holiday that we take for granted now?

Plymouth Pilgrims and Wampanoag Native Americans first started Thanksgiving as a celebration of autumn and the harvest. Nowadays, we see turkeys, cranberries, rolls, and green beans at the Thanksgiving table. However, at the 1620 harvest feast, seals, lobster, and swans were consumed. The staples of Thanksgiving have shifted from northern sea-based meats to a combination of comfort foods from across the nation.

Many Vestavia students will be digging into these new comfort foods as the celebrations of Thanksgiving occur. Among students questioned, turkey, cranberries, rolls, and Sprite Cranberry were favorite treats.

But where are people celebrating the big event? Many students are traveling to Auburn for the major gameday, the Iron Bowl. The Iron Bowl is a favorite Thanksgiving tradition for many at Vestavia. Some students are traveling across the country, from Minnesota to California to New York City. But one thing stays true for all of us: there’s always thanks to be given.