Here we are again with another holiday and another change to normalcy. On the first Thanksgiving, the pilgrims and Indians ate together and gave thanks for the bountiful food that they created. This marked a time of great unity and gathering together to celebrate life and creation. Don’t forget that this is also the day one of your favorite newspaper staff members was born…me! Anyways, Thanksgiving is one of the most important holidays filled with thanks for all that the people in your life have done for you.

My Thanksgiving traditions are pretty routine. I go to mass early in the morning with my family. Then, I like to go to my grandparents house to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and wait and wait till Santa Claus comes riding in on his sleigh in the end. After this, we normally have a large Thanksgiving dinner. If I am with my German and Irish side of the family, we have the normal turkey, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, corn and various pies (I always have ice cream). If I am with my Italian side of the family, we like to have turkey, lasagna, salad and cannolis. After we are stuffed with delicious food, we sit around and watch some football. 

Now marks a time of change. Thanksgiving is going to be a little different this year for me and probably for all of you. I cannot physically go to mass in the morning because of COVID-19 restrictions. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has changed in the number of participants and no one is allowed to gather and watch. Football will have no fans going in person, so it will not be the same. None of my family is coming over due to the pandemic. As shown, there will be a lot of traditions changing this year. 

However, there is one thing that will never change, and that is the celebration of all of those for whom you are thankful this holiday season. Remember to give thanks to those individuals and enjoy this break because you all deserve it! Promise me you will do this, ok? Ok! 

See you next time, 

Katie