Thanksgiving. What does it mean to me? Truthfully, I never even knew that this holiday existed when I was living in India for 10 years. Though when I came here, I realized it was a thing, at first just enjoying the holiday we had during this time. Over time, as I got more exposure to the tradition, I got the importance and value it had on Americans, or anyone that celebrates it.

Sure, I heard about all the traditional food they have, how they come together as a family and how all their traditions are laid out. It was originally started by the pilgrims in America as they were thankful for the end of the drought season and welcomed a bountiful harvest. This is why food is such a big part of their celebration. There’s always the giant turkey that’s the star of the show, with the sides of mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, stuffing, cornbread, and pie. Over time, their thankfulness evolved to other things, like family, their home, their job, and any other things that are important to them.

I was fascinated by their tradition, and it was something that sounded so close to our Indian traditions. There was food, music, and most importantly, family. At first, I wanted to mimic it exactly like their traditions with my family, but then I realized that my parents and I are vegetarians, and it would be fun to put our own little spin to it. So now, every year, we have our own little traditions, with meeting friends and family, or all of us pitching in to make a delicious feast that’s the star of the show. I am grateful to have a family I can do things with and with their love and support can grow up to be a mature and kind human being.

Soon after, when covid ended and we started going to school again, we always write small notes of what we’re grateful about on a leaf or feather of a ‘turkey’ (made of paper) and glue them together to create a giant turkey that represents the thoughts of our entire school. I loved that idea because it was like the entire school was pitching in and we felt like one. I’m an energetic person, and love when there’s a lively buzz at school. That was the exact feeling I had as I came to school one day and saw the giant turkey in the middle, everyone dressed in fall attire, the crisp autumn breeze sneaking into the building every time another student enters through the door. I love the vibe of schools, the way that everyone’s practically vibrating with energy, or just simply ecstatic to enjoy their break.

Some are excited for the feast itself with others, like me, are also looking forward for Black Friday! It’s a day after the Thanksgiving Day, when everyone lines up outside stores starting at 5am, orderly, like a colony of ants. It’s shopping day, with major Black Friday sales hitting the market. I was so excited this year, as I went to Bellevue Square, a mall pretty close to us, and bursting to the brim with people. It was already decorated for Christmas, looming right round the corner, with snowflakes and Santa’s sleigh with all his reindeer. Everyone was sipping from warm mugs, the steam from the hot drinks casting a fog on them as they walked past. I rushed into my favorite stores, rushing to try on all their gorgeous clothes. From one shop to another, my parents were being good sports and letting me have fun.

At the end of the weekend, my shopping bags were full and so was my heart. I love spending times like these with my loved ones, and am glad I had one of the best thanksgiving’s ever this year. - Navaka