“Oh My Gourd, I’m Stuffed:” Untraditional Thanksgiving Feasts

The medley of aroma coming from the roasting turkey that makes the whole kitchen burst with joy; the colorful patchwork of yams and stuffing set on the table ready to be devoured — to many this is the traditional Thanksgiving feast that comes to mind.  

However, some students and teachers have their own not-so-typical manners in which they celebrate their own version of Thanksgiving.  

While mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce are typically found on the holiday’s menu, many have added their own twist on what can be eaten on Thanksgiving.  

 “We have fondue. Just normal homemade fondue; it just tastes better,” said junior Brayden Anderson.  

On the other hand, “We eat like this pepper soup and rice. It’s so good even though it’s just boiled water and spices,” said freshman Myanga Bockarie. 

Because freshman Connor Roberts celebrates his birthday during Thanksgiving week, “my family eats birthday cake” instead of pumpkin pie, he said. 

In addition to changing what most are accustomed with, freshman Luca Pulgarin creates his own unique Thanksgiving by adding his own heritage’s traditions.  

“I’m Colombian, so I normally eat this rice called arroz chaufa which has rice, vegetables, and sausages,” said Pulgarin.  

Along with arroz chaufa, Pulgarin’s family makes a dish called cañon de cerdo, “which replaces the usual turkey,” he said.  

However, English teacher Nishi Patel throws out tradition in general and picks a spontaneous meal every year.  

“We order take out most times, but sometimes we’ll do the cooking. But it’s usually something random like Indian food or Mexican food,” said Patel. “Sometimes Thai, other times Italian.”   

But food isn’t the only way students deviate from common Thanksgiving customs.  

“We make it a two-day event where literally everyone we know comes. One day it’s at my house and another day it would be at someone else’s house,” said Bockarie.  

 “Since there’s a lot of people, we all sit around on air mattresses,” she said.   

Thanksgiving is usually associated with family, but even when family can’t show up, Thanksgiving is still an occasion to be celebrated.  

“Since all my family lives in Colombia, we have all our friends over, which has basically become our family here,” said Pulgarin.  

For some, like senior Angie Lotz, even the date for Thanksgiving is subject to change.  

“We celebrate thanksgiving with friends so like Friendsgiving but in March because we’re all so busy,” said senior Angie Lotz.  

No matter rain or shine, busy or not busy, Thanksgiving is a time to enjoy one another’s presence. To Lotz and her friends, this could be any time of the year. 

“So, if it’s either ordering take out, or like cooking in, we’re always celebrating together, which is the best part,” said Patel.