Thanksgiving is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in America, and it comes with a rich history that dates back to the colonial time period. The first unofficial Thanksgiving was a feast that brought together the Plymouth colonists and the Wampanoag Indians. However, it did not become a recognized holiday until Abraham Lincoln declared the last Thursday of November ‘Thanksgiving’ in the midst of the Civil War.

Thanksgiving has different meanings for different groups; for the colonists, it was a celebration of the opportunities and freedoms the New World presented before them, and for many modern families, it is a time to reflect and give thanks for a happy and healthy family.

“To me, Thanksgiving means enjoying time with family and friends,” said senior Kaitlyn Pollack. “It is a much needed break and a good time to acknowledge how lucky and grateful I am for the life I have.”

Pollack’s family Thanksgiving celebration is larger than most; with anywhere from three to five families; the amount of people can average around twenty.

“We always have Thanksgiving at my aunt’s house,” said Pollack. “My family makes the mashed potatoes every year while watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.”

Every family practices different traditions on Thanksgiving, which is what makes the holiday so special for people across the nation.

“My favorite Thanksgiving tradition is turkey comas,” said math teacher, Denni Boudreau. “Plus, the day after Thanksgiving is Boudreau family Christmas tree day, when we buy the tree and put it up in the house.”

The historical purpose of Thanksgiving has remarkably lasted through centuries of change. The Boudreau family follows a more traditional Thanksgiving, cooking foods with recipes that date back to the Revolutionary War. This year, twelve family members will be attending their dinner, including immediate family and a few cousins.

“My family has a five to six course meal each Thanksgiving,” said Boudreau. “For just the hor dourves, we have deviled eggs, Colonial Williamsburg crab cakes, and a spinach and feta cheese dish with pine nut tart.”

This Thanksgiving is no different than past years for many families in the Wakefield community. Senior, Stone Perry always participates in a large Thanksgiving dinner, sometimes over one-hundred relatives attend.

“Thanksgiving really shows how such a big group of people can come together and have a great time,” said Perry. “My plans for this thanksgiving are to go to my uncle’s beautiful farm where we will ride horses and four wheelers and participate in lots of other fun activities.”

Science teacher, Carrie Dickerhoff participates in a smaller Thanksgiving dinner of about six to seven people at her mother’s home. Like most American families, they devour delicious foods, including the traditional turkey.

“My favorite Thanksgiving foods is green bean casserole and pumpkin cheesecake,” said Dickerhoff. “My dad has a home movie theater, so after eating dinner we watch movies.”

More than just traditions, Thanksgiving is a time to express gratitude for all of the positive things in your life and reflect on your accomplishments.

“While eating Thanksgiving dinner, we each go around the table explaining something we are grateful for,” said Pollack. “It is definitely one of my favorite times of the year because I get to spend time with family I don’t regularly see and it is a chance for everyone to come together in celebration.”