Students Enjoy Unique Thanksgiving Day Plans
Mackenzie Kopplin
When people think about Thanksgiving, the usual picture painted by television producers and the media is one big happy family sitting around a table full of food with either NFL football or the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on television. The food is generally a roasted turkey, with a variety of different side dishes that include mashed potatoes, stuffing, vegetables and cranberry sauce.
However, this is not the picture for everyone who celebrates the holiday. Several Manchester University students spoke about their personal Thanksgiving Day traditions. Their experiences range from what society views as typical to some different traditions that are created by cultures or families.
Jordan Napier, a MU senior, stated: “This year I plan to go to roughly six different Thanksgiving celebrations. All of them are a typical Thanksgiving setting with food and tons of family members. I go to my friends’ houses and celebrate with them and their families until ending my day with those I live with.” Napier plans to travel back to Greenwood, IN, to celebrate the holiday.
Timmy Bozeman, a sophomore at MU from Melbourne, FL, said: “A typical Thanksgiving at my house consists of family coming over to spend time together. We hang out, eat food, watch football, and play spades. The day typically ends with the family arguing since everyone is insanely competitive.” Bozeman plans to fly home and spend some much-needed time with his family over Thanksgiving Break.
Shakira Perez, a senior from Elkhart, IN, commented: “Since my family lives in New York I celebrate Thanksgiving with my parents and two brothers. We watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and eat rice, pernil (a Spanish pork dish), and potato salad.” It’s a nice time at home with only a handful of family members.
Jalmen Sullivan, a junior basketball player at MU is looking forward to Thanksgiving for a few reasons. One: they get a break from practices. Two: he gets to go home and see his daughter. “Our Thanksgiving tradition remains the same every year,” Sullivan said. “We all come to my house, the entire family grills, cooks, and enjoys each other’s presence. We also get together and talk about everything that has changed over the time that we have been away from each other along with any problems. Overall, we just hang out and enjoy the time we get to spend together!”
Senior Destina Easley shared her family’s traditions as well. “My immediate family comes to my house and we eat and enjoy the time we spend together,” she said. “Usually my grandma, my mom, and I do all of the cooking except for the turkey, which my dad makes. We have a wide variety of food and desserts, but the cherry cheesecake is my favorite!” Easley went on to state that the majority of their time spent after eating consists of a family nap session.
Clearly there are many different ways that Manchester students celebrate Thanksgiving. Some students are not as fortunate as others in the fact that not everyone gets a chance to go home and be with their family.
If you do not have anywhere to go for Thanksgiving don’t worry. Every year Manchester hosts a Thanksgiving celebration in the Jean Childs Intercultural Center on Nov. 28, starting at 2 p.m. If you are remaining on campus don’t be shy. Go and get some food! You might even make some new connections.