BU Students Thankful for Thanksgiving Traditions
Thanksgiving is a holiday that is often overlooked and underappreciated. Being squished between Halloween and Christmas sometimes doesn’t allow Thanksgiving to get the attention it deserves.
However, it’s important to acknowledge this holiday and the meaning it holds of expressing thanks to friends and family. Sharing what you are thankful for is a common tradition of some at the dinner table, but there are many traditions that are unique and special to Bluefield University students and their families.
Brock Halsey, a sophomore at BU, said he loves to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with his family every year. The parade is watched by many Americans who recognize the floats and shows within it, including floats of Snoopy, Garfield, Kermit, Pillsbury Doughboy, and even SpongeBob.
“My favorite float would have to be between Spider-Man or Santa Claus, who carries the end of the parade,” Halsey said. He added that the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is for young and old alike and all families should enjoy it.
Sophomore Katelyn Norman, who also is a member of the BU women’s basketball team, said she likes to go outdoors early on Thanksgiving to go hunting with her dad before her family meets for dinner.
“My dad and I get to have this special activity just for us before all our family arrives,” Norman said. “This gives me just a bit of peace and realization of how thankful I am to have my dad. I wouldn’t rather be anywhere else on this holiday.”
Bree Patton said she looks forward to being able to see her cousins every year. She recalls her favorite memory of being able to go to Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
“We usually don’t do a lot for Thanksgiving, so this was a special memory I’ll cherish forever,” Patton said. “We were all in the kitchen helping to cook dinner, just talking and reminiscing. This bonding showed me how important family and Thanksgiving are.”
In a less traditional approach, Evan Leese gets to experience the world with his mom during Thanksgiving.
“My mom and I never really cared for Thanksgiving food, but we still wanted to acknowledge the importance of being thankful for each other,” Leese said, “so we decided to travel to places where we have lived in the past.”
Last year Leese was able to see Miami, where his mom and dad lived before he was born, and this year they traveled to Virginia Beach. Leese stressed the importance of realizing the meaning behind this holiday.
“I love my mom,” he said, “and I can’t wait to continue this tradition with her for years to come.”
So while Thanksgiving looks a little different for everyone, the meaning is pretty much the same. BU student traditions demonstrate how spending time with those you love is the best way to spend this holiday season.
Photo courtesy of Martha Chapa.