By Alexandria Schaffer
The story of how the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock, and the generosity which the Native Americans showed to the Pilgrims has become legendary all throughout the United States in the form of a simple holiday that is called Thanksgiving.
Even though Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away, the students of Plymouth High School are already talking about their holiday plans and what it means to them.
When asked about what they think is the most important thing about Thanksgiving sophomore Amber Redinger responded “It is all about spending time with family.” In much agreement with Redinger, sophomore Brian Decan shared, “I think the most important thing about Thanksgiving is probably spending time with family and friends.” Redinger also shared her view of what Thanksgiving means to her, “I think Thanksgiving is about giving thanks for being here on Earth and having this food because some people can not afford it.” Yet Decan believes, “Thanksgiving does not really have a direct meaning it’s just a time to reflect over the time where the Pilgrims came over to America for land and religious freedom.”
Even though Thanksgiving was originated from the pilgrims, it was many years until it became an official holiday and when it did, it caught on to almost everyone. “Thanksgiving became a holiday because everyone needed a holiday to remember how thankful they are to have each other. It caught on quickly in the United States because everyone is so close to their family,” Patricia Ortiz stated. Redinger also gives her answer for why Thanksgiving became a Holiday, “I think it became a Holiday because people need to stop and think about what they have and what other people do not have. It caught on to the United States because we have everything we need and not a lot of other places have that privilege.”
Plymouth High School has many privileges, and one of those privileges is to have a diverse student body with many different ethnic groups, traditions and beliefs. Despite the many cultural differences many of the PHS students value the same beliefs. “Definitely spending time with my family is one of my biggest beliefs that I value the most.” Decan explained. While Ortiz believes “The most important thing about Thanksgiving is to be grateful for everything that you have and been through.”
Americans are blessed enough to have everything that we need, and then some extra things like the cell phone, and play stations and other technological item, but how many times do we stop and think about what its like not to have those extra necessities? “I take for granted the Thanksgiving Day together with the family members that we haven’t seen in a while.”
Besides the food, the next important thing about thanksgiving is spending time with friends and family. No matter how far it takes to get to your friend or family members house, the reward of spending time with your loved ones is worth the travel. Principe described how far she and her family travel to she their loved ones. “We always go to Richmond Virgina because my grandparents live there. Seeing my grandparents and the family that lives by them, and all the amazingfood that they prepare is always my favorite things about Thanksgiving.” “Sometimes we go to Ohio to visit my grandparents, and sometimes they come to Plymouth to visit us. We normally alternate every other year,” Schnieders states. She also adds, “My favorite thing about Thanksgiving is getting together with family and catching up.”
Preparing for the holidays can bring many challenges whether it be getting your house around for company or packing some of your belongings up and going on a road trip to see your relatives. “Helping cook all of the food is normally the most challenging thing,” Schnieders concludes.“ The trip is so long, so we stay for awhile, which means packing, and bringing them presents because we do not see them at Christmas,” Principe explains. “I think the most challenging part is cleaning up afterwards. Also , waiting a few hours for the food to get done,” described Hall.
Even though the holiday of Thanksgiving is just another way to get the family members together, and share memories together, the true in-depth meaning of it is far more important: the celebration of many different traditions and customs.