As Thanksgiving approaches, Hallettsville High School students are preparing for time with family, food and tradition. An online survey asked students to reflect on holiday favorites, and many responses highlighted how each household celebrates the day in its own way.
“We always eat at the house and then relax the rest of the day; have family time together,” senior Izzy Deaton said.
Most students reported spending Thanksgiving at home or with close relatives. Several said they travel out of town to visit extended family, while a smaller number indicated they host gatherings themselves. Many shared that their celebrations center on large dinners, watching football and enjoying time off from school.
“My favorite Thanksgiving tradition is to take as much food as possible and then eat as much as possible,” Kemper Barrera said.
Food remains at the heart of the holiday. Early responses show a wide spread of favorite dishes, with turkey, green bean casserole and rolls listed most often. Students were divided on classic sides, with stuffing, mac and cheese and rolls receiving mixed reactions. Some students admitted they skip traditional plates altogether and go straight for desserts (or the mac and cheese).
“I normally spend Thanksgiving eating mac & cheese at either my aunt’s house or my house,” senior Lucas Hill said. “My favorite Thanksgiving tradition is eating mac and cheese. The best Thanksgiving side is mac and cheese. My favorite Thanksgiving nontraditional dish is cauliflower mac and cheese.”
While turkey remains the most common main course, some students shared that they prefer ham instead. Others suggested nontraditional additions to the table, ranging from barbeque dishes to favorite comfort foods.
39% of HHS students prefer turkey and 35% prefer ham while others prefer additional options such as steak and brisket.
Students also reflected on gratitude. Many responses on what they are thankful for focused on family, friends and health. Others mentioned appreciation for new opportunities, personal growth and milestones reached this year.
“I am most thankful for my best friend for showing me what a real friendship is like and my boyfriend for showing me how a relationship should be like,” Trista Nichols said.
Though today’s celebrations vary, Thanksgiving has long been tied to American history. The holiday traces back to 1621, when English settlers and members of the Wampanoag tribe gathered for a harvest feast in present-day Massachusetts. Over time, Thanksgiving continued as a tradition across the colonies. President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed it a national holiday in 1863, encouraging Americans to come together during the Civil War.
Whether students spend the day traveling, gathering around the table or simply relaxing at home, Thanksgiving offers a moment to pause and appreciate the people and traditions that bring them together.
