Traditions around North America show culture and heritage through the historic day of Thanksgiving, which has contributed to the development of this holiday. Families all over celebrate with large feasts on the fourth Thursday of every year in celebration of the things we have.

   Students here at Wesley Chapel High School (W.C.H.S.) come from all around the U.S and in some cases, from around the world, which results in various traditions celebrating this wonderful holiday. Kayla Jackson, Junior, states that “On Thanksgiving we decorate for Christmas.” On the other hand, Mrs. Fay Geiger, History teacher states “My family doesn’t really have any traditions or anything special we do for Thanksgiving. Just normal American family stuff- we eat too much food, then stuff too much desert on top of that and we watch the parade in the morning then football the rest of the day.” 

   Furthermore, despite people’s differences and the vast diversity of W.C.H.S. most people seem to have a common interpretation of what Thanksgiving means to them. Maria Smith, Freshmen, states, “Thanksgiving is just the time where I’m grateful, that’s about it.” Similarly, Miss Heather Coppinger, English teacher states, “It represents my family’s hard work and love for each other as we get to spend time together that we missed out on over the past years.” 

   Moreover, this whole holiday would not have existed without the Mayflower occupants and the Wampanoag. Their historic feast has influenced the development of this wonderful holiday. History.com states, “In November 1621, after the Pilgrims’ first corn harvest proved successful, Governor William Bradford organized a celebratory feast and invited a group of the fledgling colony’s Native American allies, including the Wampanoag chief Massasoit. Now remembered as American’s “first Thanksgiving”—although the Pilgrims themselves may not have used the term at the time—the festival lasted for three days.” That day in history now is known to most Americans as a day of gratitude celebrated across the nation. 

   In a nutshell, what was once a small, celebratory feast, has now developed into a national holiday of thankfulness and gratitude that brings families together. Each family has their own culture and traditions that make this day special. One last example of this is what Macie Minich, Senior, states, “Every other year we eat Wawa after a good lunch.” This just shows how a tradition does not have to be super fancy, it can just be a repetitive thing that your family does. That is what thanksgiving is. Its not just a simple dinner, its a day of family, and how we give thanks to them.