Holiday tensions run high as each family prepares to host family or friends. Whether guests overstay their welcome or dinner arguments ensue, the holidays are sure to bring pressure. However all loved ones share disputes and the start of the holidays also represents unity. Families are brought closer together–united through tradition and a common language learned through years of companionship. Thanksgiving is a perfect time to acknowledge those who are with us at each step of our journey; whether it be a parent, teacher, sibling, or pet. As a school with many different cultures, Orange Lutheran has many students with different traditions throughout Thanksgiving. From different ways of gathering to food quirks, the students of Orange Lutheran celebrate their Thanksgiving in unique fashion.
A student at Orange Lutheran, Maya Martinez, celebrates the Thanksgiving season by “go[ing] over to a family friend’s house for dinner.” Opting for a more Friendsgiving style of Thanksgiving, gratitude is shown to both families and friends. Many students at Orange Lutheran also celebrate Thanksgiving by meeting with their families. Adelyn Chappell celebrated Thanksgiving by “go[ing] to [her] grandma’s house in Cambria and hav[ing] Thanksgiving with [them] and [her] cousins.” Similarly, Leila Palacios has “one big gathering with both [her] mom and dad’s side of the family.” An astonishing “60ish people” unite “shar[ing] what [they]’re thankful for.” The celebration consists of a big meal, Bible Study, and ends with her dancing for the family. Not all families have big gatherings for Thanksgiving, students Shaye Holz and Elise Yoon, plan a Thanksgiving dinner with their families
Traditions are not only confined to who they are celebrated with, but what people do together. Recreating traditions annually unite the people involved in the celebration. Whether families eat a certain food, or have an annual practice the traditions of Thanksgivings can create a sense of nostalgia.
Orange Lutheran student, Isly Ross, eats jello for Thanksgiving with her family. Common in the south, jello is a great way to celebrate and give thanks. Another student, Sophia Owens’ grandma makes the turkey dance before it goes in the oven while playing I Believe I Can Fly. Different family traditions continue to evolve but through the traditions we can remember the feelings of love and gratitude.
As the year comes to a close, the traditions that we share with our families and the relationships that are built will continue to grow. No matter the time we can always show gratitude towards each other and spread love.