Festivals can change depending on the differences in traditions and culture. Specifically Thanksgiving, when not just one but many FHC families share different traditions as they celebrate it uniquely. From the vast varieties of dishes to the guests joining in to the majority of decorations, everything depends on the tradition. Students and staff at FHC come together to share their traditions and the unique way they celebrate their Thanksgiving.
“Every year I like to make a full Thanksgiving meal, even if it’s just my husband and I. The turkey is on the main menu as it’s a mutli-day process. And we’ll host it at our home, even if it’s just the two of us,” Librarian Cassandra Flores said. “What’s important is the family time and chill and relaxation.”
Every festival brings a vibe of something unique to celebrate, but the idea of family time never seems to disappear. With a chance to be with someone and spend time with them, Flores never seems to ignore the love that festivities bring. It’s important for her to be with her husband, and cook delicious meals on thanksgiving day even if it’s just the two of them. The relaxation, the memories, the relationships only seem to grow stronger for her.
Traditions also seems to be playing an important role. What’s different though is that when she mentions the varieties of tradition flowing from her past, she says boldly that she wanted to change some ways to make it more personal and unique for her.
“Growing up we both experience big travels on Thanksgiving, where we have to travel far distances to families which we didn’t know well. So we changed that as adults by celebrating it in our home.” Flores said.
It can be tough to celebrate Thanksgiving when most of the family lives far away. And so Flores decided on celebrating it at her home with the family that mattered her the most. She felt relaxed and calm as she made this tradition for herself and her husband.
Food is also something that stood out to Flores, and holds a unique place for her.
“As always, turkey is on our menu. We also like to make different kinds of pies and add green beans to the menu. We always make mashed potatoes…We mix it up and do different stuff.” Flores said. With varieties of food items, the dinner always looks grand and beautiful at her place. With unique recipes for mashed potatoes to the stuffed turkey, everything seems lovely to get a bite on. Flores says that the making of turkey specifically, isn’t just a one day process for her. She, with the help of her husband, uses almost two to three days to make the turkey just perfect for the smell and taste.
Unlike Mrs. Flores, Katie Huynh has a completely different tradition as she celebrates thanksgiving with her family. She prescribes her own tradition while also following her family traditions.
“We usually go out to a family member’s house and eat lots of food and play. Personally, I really like to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade every morning before Thanksgiving.” Huynh said. “Also, we have different types of food on our menu every year. It mostly depends on what type of food my aunt cooks, which is traditional Vietnamese dishes and desserts.”
Katie, having a Vietnamese background, likes to celebrate thanksgiving in a different way. As she mentioned, she first watches the parade which is her own personal tradition. She then goes out and celebrates her thanksgiving with other family members. Her aunt makes traditional food such as noodles and spring rolls, and they all enjoy family time at the dinner. Katie had also stated that they are not required to take everything from the menu, instead it’s optional to eat anything. She loves the way it is and wishes to have more frequent times like this.
On the other hand, having an American and German background, language teacher Caitlin Crain shares her Thanksgiving traditions as she shares her story. Being a Spanish teacher, she finds herself involved in many cultural events. She mentions that while having many family traditions, she also has one of her own.
“I have two Thanksgivings, the first one I go to my great aunt’s, who’s my grandmother’s sister. So all of her side of the family, about 50 people, come together and just have lunch together. We sometimes play football afterwards and then on Friday, I have a smaller Thanksgiving dinner with my wife’s family and then my parents. We just kind of hang out and eat. As a tradition, I make pickles for Thanksgiving and bring them over. I also love to see family members and enjoy time together.” Crain said.
Having to celebrate one Thanksgiving seems heavenly because of vast opportunities of family time and food. But, Crain celebrates two which is quite surprising in its own way. As she mentioned, one thanksgiving dinner is for her vast family and the other one is more of interior/personal family. She also had mentioned that by making pickles she keeps her past traditions alive, and it’s something that’s special for her. She also makes something new every thanksgiving dinner and brings on the flavor of having unique menus each year. As always, food can never be forgotten in this time of year, and as stated before, it’s something that means a whole lot to her and her family.
“We have turkey, pickles, drinks, salad, mashed potatoes and lots more. Something I like doing as well is making something unique and new with vegetables involved in it. It’s nice to have the same kind of food but also adding something new every year. It feels pretty special seeing your whole family there to try it with you.” Crain said.
This shows that mainly cultures can’t impact the thanksgiving menu, it’s the uniqueness and the traditions that does the work. With salad, vegetables, meat and other varieties of categories, the menu looks grand in her house and what makes it even more special is seeing her family experience it with every single bite in awe.
Overall, many traditions from different families impact the way they celebrate Thanksgiving. Through family background, culture, and traditions, this holiday is not the same for everyone. What brings them all together is the peacefulness in family time, and the relaxation in building connection. How is your Thanksgiving different from the rest?
