Sharing memories, spending time with family, enjoying comfort foods, and holding onto long-standing traditions are all part of what Thanksgiving means to students at Papillion-LaVista. For many, it’s the little moments that make the holiday special, like laughing with family in the kitchen, or helping to bake an old recipe.
Junior Sophie Mahr has annual holiday traditions that she looks forward to.
”Every year we go down to our cabin and hang out with my whole family,” Mahr said. “and we eat a big meal with a lot of good food.”
Thanksgiving is more than just a date on the calendar, it is a chance to honor traditions and enjoy the holiday in a way that is unique to each family. Whether traveling or staying local, the holiday often brings a sense of comfort through the food that appears in the kitchen every year.
For junior Jaelynn Mares, Thanksgiving is not complete without her favorite foods.
“I love cheesy potatoes and green bean casserole,” Mares said, “the food is definitely the best part of Thanksgiving.”
For many students, the holiday is closely related to the meals they share with their family. The wide range of dishes shows how each family creates its own version of the holiday. These foods become a main piece of the Thanksgiving celebration.
Another junior Mara Brighton goes out of town to visit her family and enjoy different dishes in Chicago every year.
“My favorite thanksgiving dish is the stuffing, rolls, and dessert,” Junior Mara Brighton said. “My mom makes the best food.”
Each plate tells a story, reminding students of the people and moments that they will cherish forever. Another thing that is really important to students is reflecting on what they are grateful for.
“I am most thankful for the strong connections I have with my family and friends, “ Brighton said. “I’m also just very grateful I get the opportunity to visit my family in Chicago every year.”
It is a day to acknowledge the important people in their life, reunite with their relatives, and enjoy time away from school.
“We always have a big dinner on Thanksgiving day,” Brighton said. “And the next day we all go shopping and look at Christmas lights together as a family.”
While every family celebrates differently, many students find importance in the little things.
“My favorite memory from Thanksgiving is helping my grandpa make the ham when I was little,” Mahr said.
These routines illustrate the many ways families make Thanksgiving their own. Through familiar recipes and time spent together, these memories help shape the yearly holiday that never fails to bring comfort, gratitude, and togetherness.
