Have you ever wondered if maybe different cultures that have come to the US celebrate the traditions practiced here? Maybe you celebrate Thanksgiving but does your peer next to you do? Well, the answer could be yes, however the way they celebrate it could be different than how you celebrate it.

When many people think about thanksgiving, we think about family coming together, having a big feast with a nice home cooked turkey, and overall a day where we come together and think about what in life we are grateful for. But, did you know only so many of us know the history behind it? Like the Native Americans and the Pilgrims, you know that whole story that we were taught during our elementary school years… Crazy right? Well I had an interview with a peer of Brazilian descent. who wants to remain anonymous, and they explained to me that they truly never knew the story and background of why we celebrate thanksgiving. They stated, “ I always thought it was just a day you come together, eat , and tell everyone what you’re grateful for. Never knew it had significant meaning.” 

Similarly, the foods eaten on Thanksgiving are very well known and almost always the same. It’s always foods like macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, turkey, dinner rolls, green beans, pies etc. . But many people from different cultures that do celebrate thanksgiving, don’t necessarily follow the social norms. I interviewed a friend who actually came to the US after living in Mexico for 7 years, and she explained to me that she loves thanksgiving and everything it represents, but she does not make the usual foods everyone else does. She told me “ For thanksgiving, I like to bring out my own cultures’ dishes. Thanksgiving is a day where we should also eat comfort foods, you know?” 

So, how do you celebrate Thanksgiving?