By: Chelsea Dekock

Thanksgiving is a classic American holiday. It’s a time when loved ones come together to express appreciation for one another and reflect on the blessings of the year. However, like any other tradition, Thanksgiving provokes a wide range of emotions. Some eagerly anticipate its arrival while others view it with a sense of dread. So where do our SHS students fall on the spectrum?

At its core, Thanksgiving is a celebration of gratitude. Many appreciate the opportunity to reflect on the positive aspects of their lives. One of the main staples of this particular holiday is the joy of reuniting with loved ones and creating unforgettable memories. Rowan Fullerton, a sophomore at Springfield High School, states, “I get to see family that I normally don’t get to see. It’s a good way to catch up with them since they live so far away.¨ 

Thanksgiving also holds iconic traditions regarding American culture. Jadyn Mangold-Huston, a sophomore, expresses her love for the holiday ¨Eating the delicious Thanksgiving food my dad makes is always a highlight of the year! I also love watching the Thanksgiving parade with my family.¨ Although Thanksgiving itself is a well-celebrated holiday, others often appreciate the break the holiday provides. Sophomore Meara Seelbach, a very active student at SHS, talks about how she appreciates the time to unwind. ¨This time of year is always stressful regarding school, especially with the upcoming finals. It’s just nice to have a break once and a while.”

While Thanksgiving reunions can be joyous for many, for others it evokes stress. Complicated family dynamics filled with unresolved conflicts tends to be touchy subjects regarding Thanksgiving. Additionally, the pressure to create a picture-perfect gathering with elaborate meals leads to tensions rising. Andrew Kotner, a sophomore, expresses his feelings towards the traditional holiday. ¨Thanksgiving is just stress in general. Planning elaborate family gatherings is always just a pain.” Others also believe Thanksgiving is a waste of time, especially when  compared to the much more extravagant holiday, Christmas. “Thanksgiving is just in Christmas’s shadow, ” states sophomore Damarais Tellez. ¨At least for Christmas there is something to look forward to, but Thanksgiving is just in the way.¨ 

Thanksgiving, with its blend of tradition and family, stands as a complex holiday that evokes a spectrum of emotions. While many cherish the opportunity to come together, others grapple with familial stress or a sense of isolation. In a poll of 23 SHS students, 36% of students say they dread the holiday while 64% say they look forward to it. Understanding and respecting these diverse perspectives enrich our collective understanding of this beloved, yet occasionally polarizing, holiday. Ultimately, whether one embraces Thanksgiving with open arms or approaches it with a degree of skepticism, the holiday serves as a reminder of the diverse tapestry of experiences that shape America’s cultural landscape.

Photo courtesy of Google