As the season of scares and treats comes to an end, the big birds that are known throughout fall start to quake in their feathers. Even through the early celebrations and commercials of Christmas decorations and sales, and the families that don’t always have a turkey on the table for that lunch or dinner; the turkey fears for the week of thanksgiving. 

Amarie Gilley, a Sophomore, reassures by saying, “I eat ham for Thanksgiving, turkey is dry and doesn’t taste the best, it just doesn’t have the same flavor as ham, though I have had turkey a few times for Thanksgiving.”

Some families prepare and get their turkey a week before.

Susie Adams, a Social Studies teacher shares by saying, “I always have turkey for Thanksgiving as a tradition. I try to get the best bargain that I can get on top of, so I usually get it a week before.”

Other families get their turkey on the day or two before Thanksgiving.   

Latajaia Paine, a Freshman, states, “ Yeah I do eat turkey, but I prefer ham. My parents usually get the turkey a day before and then cook it that night.”

With each family being different, there are many turkeys cooked and prepared in all kinds of ways. Some people follow family recipes and traditions, while others follow online instructions. These families cook their turkeys some braised or barbecued, but other families might eat a different main dish for the holiday. They might have ham, duck, lamb, salmon, chicken, pork or more. 

Along with the main dish, families also bring many different side dishes to the table. Most families have baked or mashed potatoes as a side dish; green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, bread rolls, brussels sprouts, creamed corn, cranberry sauce, and much more.

Adams states, “We always have broccoli and rice, [we also] always have some type of corn casserole, mashed potatoes and gravy is a must, we always have sweet potatoes, stuffing, green beans, and cranberries.”

Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate the things you have and give thanks for them. It is a reminder about the day the Pilgrims and Native Americans came together, the day they ate and celebrated together about their year’s good harvest.