Thanksgiving is more than a holiday—it’s a cherished tradition that has evolved over centuries. From the Pilgrims’ first feast in 1621 to modern celebrations filed with food, football, and family, it’s a time to reflect on gratitude and togetherness, bringing people from all stages of life around the table.
In November of 1620 the Mayflower landed near Massachusetts bay. Soon the new settlers faced disease and the freezing temperatures of the American winter. Only 50 of the original 102 passengers lived to see their first New England spring. In March the remaining settlers moved ashore, where they were soon greeted by a member of the native tribe Abenaki and a member of the Pawtuxet named Squanto. He taught the pilgrims how to cultivate corn, catch fish and warned them about poisonous plants. Squanto also helped the settlers form a relationship with the local Wampanoag tribe. In November 1621 the first Pilgrims first harvest was successful, governor Bradford organized a celebratory feast and invited multiple Natives, including the Wampanoag chief. This three day celebration is to this day remembered as the first Thanksgiving. The second Thanksgiving was held in 1623 but it wasn’t until 1863 that it was recognized as a national holiday.
Thanksgiving today is a widely celebrated holiday in the United States, marked by gathering with family and friends to share a festive meal, often featuring turkey, stuffing, potatoes and pie. Beyond the meal, modern Thanksgiving includes traditions like watching football, parades, and starting holiday shopping with Black Friday deals.
On the Wednesday before thanksgiving, EF academy hosted a thanksgiving lunch for all students to try and enjoy traditional thanksgiving delicacies. Thanksgiving was also celebrated in the dorms. On the 25th the houseparents organized a friendsgiving with lots of different dishes, inviting the students to sit together and celebrate a small thanksgiving. Riana, a junior, expressed that she enjoyed spending time together and enjoying a nice meal, “especially the mac n cheese was really good.” Riana said. Experiencing an American Thanksgiving for the first time was “very nice” she thinks that “thanksgiving is a time where people can relax and celebrate their culture.” The American students are very familiar with thanksgiving. Gwyn’s favourite part of thanksgiving is “celebrating with her friends and family and eating a lot of food. I do think the way we celebrate is traditional. We all sit around a big table and have all the traditional foods: turkey and stuffing and a lot more.” When asked about the one thing that can’t be missing on the thanksgiving table Gwyn and Kwai both said “ Mac n cheese!!!” in unison.
Thanksgiving, both in its historical origins and modern celebrations, serves as a reminder of gratitude, community, and togetherness. From the Pilgrims’ first harvest feast to the joyful gatherings at EF Academy, the holiday continues to bring people together, blending tradition with personal experiences. Whether it’s enjoying a classic dish like mac and cheese, sharing stories with friends, or learning about a new culture, Thanksgiving provides an opportunity to pause and appreciate the connections that unite us all. As Riana put it, it’s a time to relax, celebrate, and embrace the spirit of giving thanks.