While Americans prepare turkey, stuffing, and parades every November, many other countries take part in their own celebrations of gratitude throughout the year. These global traditions, which are some rooted in harvest season and others tied to cultural history, show that giving thanks is a universal experience that goes far beyond one holiday. People everywhere recognize the importance of coming together, sharing food, and appreciating life’s blessings.
To understand what Thanksgiving means to students here at our school, I spoke with a couple of students who shared their personal traditions and reflections:
Daniel Guevara: “My family celebrates thanksgiving. The significance of thanksgiving for me is just being able to have a time where my whole family can come together and eat, catch up, and have fun. A way to keep traditional celebrations alive in the U.S is to keep passing down the concept of the holidays to the family that comes after you.”
Crystal Boyake: “I love Thanksgiving because it’s an opportunity for my entire family to come together and enjoy a meal. We get to reflect on the things that we are thankful for and show gratitude.”
Aziah Henderson: “I like Thanksgiving because it gives me a reason to be in a facility full of love and support.
Samantha Morel: Thanksgiving to me is about spending time with family. It’s about being thankful for everything you have and remembering you shouldn’t just give thanks in thanksgiving but every day as well. My favorite dish is homemade mac and cheese.”
Andrew Crespo: “I like thanksgiving because I get to watch football and eat food all day along with the accompaniment of loved ones.”
These student perspectives show that Thanksgiving isn’t just about a menu, it’s about connection. Though each tradition has its own style, the purpose remains the same: to recognize the good in life and share gratitude with others. Whether through parades, letters, or festive meals, Thanksgiving around the world reminds us that appreciation is a value every culture celebrates in its own way. And while the customs may differ, the heart behind the theme stays the same: coming together, celebrating community, and giving thanks for the people and moments that matter the most.
