WOODBURY — As the cold months roll around, the holiday season heats up. Thanksgiving, being the first of the bunch, shares not just meaning but endless memories and traditions that could last a lifetime. It could consist of a simple gathering or a competitive football game, but they all share the meaning of gratitude.
Nonnewaug sophomore Grayson Leveille’s family tradition includes travel.
“I go up to my cousin’s house in Pennsylvania, and we celebrate Thanksgiving with them,” Leveille said.
Sophomore Cam Jones enjoys a potluck dinner with his family.
“Every year my family gets together, and everyone kind of has a dish that they each make,” Jones said. “I like making mac and cheese. My grandma, she is well known for making very delicious mashed potatoes, which is always really good, and my uncle likes making turkey.”
Freshman Jarrod Cipriano celebrates with his aunts.
“We usually go to my aunt’s house every year,” Cipriano said. “She lives in Fairfield. It’s like an hour away.”
Leveille bucks tradition with his preferred meat of choice.
“I love my uncle’s ham. It’s really good,” Leveille stated. “I also love his mashed potatoes.”
Jones is more traditional.
“My favorite Thanksgiving foods are turkey,” Jones said. “I also really like cranberry sauce.”
Cipriano likes a unique combination of foods.
“My favorite food is definitely Hawaiian rolls because they taste amazing,” Cipriano said. “If you stuff it with gravy and turkey, they’re even better.”
Leveille, Jones, and Cipriano share gratitude for seeing their relatives and enjoying a feast.
“I am grateful for getting to see my cousins,” Leveille said. “I love seeing them because they live far away, and I’m not able to see them a ton.”
“I am most grateful for being able to see my family,” Jones agreed.
“I am thankful for being able to have a lot of food on Thanksgiving,” Cipriano said. “Also being able to be with my family, and I am also thankful for all my friends.”
Thanksgiving this Nov. 28 is a holiday not just about eating food or watching football; it is about being thankful for all you have, not about what you don’t.
