Thanks (for the) giving memories

Thanksgiving delivers joyful thoughts of a large, home-cooked hearty meal. But food is not the only feature one should be thanful for during this holiday season.

Thanksgiving should bring a sense of appreciation, happiness, hope and love. For many Virginia Wesleyan students, this is the case. Students were more than willing to share their favorite memories and traditions of Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is a time for family, a time to cherish all the good things that happened in one’s life with their families and loved ones. “What I do is go to my uncle’s town in a small area; it is quiet and peaceful,” said senior Justin Beavers. “It’s a tradition. It’s a very Thanksgiving atmosphere. The family gets to come together and everyone is happy.”

Tradition is often associated with this holiday. It can be anything from a simple family conversation to an actual family outing. Not everyone spends Thanksgiving with family. Some may spend the holiday with friends or other loved ones.

Thanksgiving also has a lot to do with self-appreciation. One can be thankful for the goals or tasks they have accomplished throughout the year or in their entire life. They can be thankful they are in good health or about some things that may have happened to them.

“I always go to my grandfather’s,” said senior Justin Rice. “We give thanks for being safe and healthy. I also get to see my cousins and other family members. That’s so fun.”

Thanksgiving brings unity and a sense of stability in one’s self because one can sit and reflect on the year so far, eliminate all negative times, be grateful of all positive things that occurred and be able to share those feelings with people one cares about. Thanksgiving also gives people a season of comfort with their surroundings.

“I’m thankful for living in a country where we have as much freedom as we do,” said junior Eric Winkelman. “It’s great to spend time with my family and enjoy a great meal.”

All in all, Thanksgiving brings a pleasant mood of comfort and love, which cannot be replaced by any other holiday.