Family, friends, and being grateful: What Thanksgiving means to me

Taking+a+family+photo%2C+the+Walz+and+Richey+families+get+everyone+together+for+Thanksgiving+dinner.+

Jenna Richey

Taking a family photo, the Walz and Richey families get everyone together for Thanksgiving dinner.

     To me, Thanksgiving is about being grateful for what you have, the opportunities you’ve been given, and the loved ones in your life.

     Thanksgiving is the perfect time to spend quality time with your friends and family.

     Each year in my family, we get together for a big meal and spend the day together.

     My family lives in Fort Thomas, Louisville, and even as far away as South Carolina. Coming from a very athletic family, all of my cousins are very involved in sports. With that, comes busy schedules and a hard time planning family events.

     Due to this, planning family events and meals can be very challenging at times, especially at such a busy time in the year. 

     So whenever all of us can get together, we are sure to make the best out of it and enjoy our time together.

     Each year we make sure to play many fun family games and spend quality time with each other.

     The hours leading up to dinner are always very eventful. Helping prepare the food, along with talking to my aunts and uncles. This is very fun, as I love getting to catch up with them. Setting the table and getting to see all the fun decorations is another one of my favorite parts of Thanksgiving.

     Thanksgiving dinner is always busy. It is very enjoyable for me to hear what my cousins have been doing since the last time I saw them. It is also fun to fill them in on what has been going on in my life and listen to what advice they have for me about school and everyday life.

     It is always fun to catch up with my cousins that are in college and my family that lives in Louisville and South Carolina, as I don’t see or talk to them on a daily basis.

     Thanksgiving is also a good time to reflect on all the things you have to be grateful for.

     Each year at Thanksgiving dinner, my family goes around the table and shares what they are thankful for. 

     This helps my family and I realize all the amazing opportunities that have been put into our lives, along with all the things we have to be grateful for.

     Therefore, Thanksgiving to me is about spending time with your family and reflecting on all of the things you have to be grateful for, making for a fun and symbolic holiday.