Words: Kelly Simmons

From November 26 to November 28, Centennial students will not have school. The three day break is to allow students to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. Thanksgiving day is always held on the fourth Thursday of November. This year, it falls on the 27 of November.

Thanksgiving is a time when families gather together and give thanks for what they have been given. Many families use the short break as an opportunity to visit family members so they can celebrate and give thanks together. Thanksgiving allows family members to appreciate one another and to be grateful for what they have.

According to PBS.org, the Thanksgiving holiday originated as a feast organized by the pilgrims of Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1621 and was held to celebrate the good harvest. Pilgrims and Puritans who continued to immigrate to the colonies continued the public celebration of a good harvest, but there was no specific day across the colonies for when they would celebrate it.

During the revolutionary war, many of the celebrations that were meant to give thanks for a good harvest, had become warped by the British into a day where they celebrated the British cause of trying keeping the colonies. After the Revolutionary War, George Washington declared on November 26, 1789 that November 26 would be the set date to celebrate Thanksgiving across the country. Later, as years went by, Thanksgiving would come to be held on the fourth Thursday of November rather than November 26.

Although Thanksgiving is no longer celebrated to give thanks for a good harvest, its message of being thankful, grateful, and appreciative for what has been given is still strong in today’s times.

Traditionally, Thanksgiving is celebrated by gathering with family members over a large dinner composed of turkey and various side dishes such as potatoes, rolls, and green bean hot dish. Once the dinner is finished, different types are pie are served, the two most common being pumpkin and pecan pie.

With Thanksgiving rapidly approaching, people begin to bring out their favorite recipes. Some have been in families for multiple generations, while others are new experimental recipes seen in a cooking show or magazine. For those that are willing to try new foods, try some of the recipes sent in by Centennial’s own teachers.

Although, food is an awesome part about thanksgiving, try not to stray too far from the message of Thanksgiving.

“Thanksgiving is a jewel, to set in the hearts of honest men; but be careful that you do not take the day, and leave out the gratitude.” As E.P. Powell says.

With this in mind, everyone have a happy Thanksgiving!