When most people think of November, they often think about the holiday Thanksgiving. During this holiday, many people get together to celebrate as a family, and they often come up with traditions to do together each year. Whether it be eating a big hearty meal, playing a game of football as a family, or watching a movie on the couch, the Southwest Shadow would like to know what your favorite Thanksgiving tradition is.
- Comment on this post about what your favorite Thanksgiving/holiday tradition is and why.
- Entries must be school appropriate
- Students must log-in to comment (make sure your username is your first and last name)
- The winner will be chosen by the editorial staff of the Southwest Shadow. Entries will close on November 30th at 11:59 p.m.
Alexis Lee • Nov 20, 2024 at
One of my favorite holiday traditions is during Christmas which is something we call “The Giving Tree.”. I started this tradition during COVID-19 since that time of isolation had given me creative ideas. During the week of Christmas, usually, a few days before, we leave a small table filled with blank notes, and we all take turns writing anonymous notes of appreciation, hope, or encouragement for anybody who comes to mind. We hang these little notes on the tree, and on Christmas day, we take turns picking one off the branches. Some of the messages are for close friends and family, or a general message. Each one is a reminder of how we can reciprocate kindness with the exchange of messages. The point of this isn’t in the notes themselves but in the act of writing them. We take a moment to reflect on how those around us impact us and what we wish for the people around us. These notes always leave us feeling more connected with one another. There’s something about sharing a tradition with people you love and realizing that the Christmas season is just as much about gifting love and support as it is about giving gifts.
For me, it’s a chance to pause, to remind myself that the holiday season isn’t just about material things, but about the quiet, meaningful acts of care that we sometimes forget to express throughout the year. It’s not just about making memories, but about nurturing them in a way that lasts far beyond the holiday season.
Evelyn Kramar • Nov 19, 2024 at
As always, my favorite holiday tradition involves Punxsutawney Phil, the beloved groundhog. In 1993 the film Groundhog Day was released; since then it has been a classic. A movie perfect for any occasion. I watch Groundhog Day on any and all holidays including Thanksgiving. Most holiday movies are too forward and in your face often times selling loads of junk related to them, but not Groundhog Day, there are no shirts, plushies, or branded merchandise available for purchase, despite the clear high demand present. My second favorite holiday tradition would have to be forcing retail workers to listen to the same holiday playlist over and over again because of festive spirit or something. Groundhog day is just better; it doesn’t need months of preparation; people can remain patient.
Sophonias Melak • Nov 14, 2024 at
My favorite holiday tradition is when my family celebrates christmas at church. To further, we are oriental Orthodox people that’s our religion and orthodoxy is where many traditions are kept in special manners. Before Christmas we hold a fast for about 40 days then the fast ends on Jan. 7. The day after my family gathers as a whole and celebrates Christmas with a big feast since we were fasting. Basically a late-thanksgiving. Once all our close relatives leave the house, we open our presents. The time at church is very cherished, decorated, jolly, celebrated. The Orthodox process is very traditional as before stated. The meal and gifts created or given with love always resonates with either you or the traditional holiday celebrated.
Alani Rodriguez • Nov 14, 2024 at
My favorite tradition is when my family gets together during Thanksgiving. I have a big family that can be pretty messy at times. We usually all go to my grandma’s house for a big feast. Me and my cousins play outside, while the adults usually stay inside and talk. I’ve always loved family gatherings since we don’t have a lot of them. I love my family a lot, no matter how crazy it may be. It’s also the reason why I don’t celebrate Christmas early, since it feels like I’m completely forgetting about Thanksgiving. My family is, and always will be important to me.
Anganell Johnson • Nov 14, 2024 at
My favorite thanksgiving tradition is cooking dessert with my family. We make a delicious upside-down, cherry and pineapple pound cake. It’s always spongy, and full of sweet flavor. I have learned the recipe from my grandmother, and it was passed down to my dad and now I share it with my younger siblings. Every year the house is filled with yummy aromas, and every thanksgiving I can’t wait to have the cake. It’s very easy to make, and I love making it with family because it’s always a fun time. We play music in the kitchen, dance and laugh, and make our food with love. I can’t wait for Thanksgiving! I’ll have my cake and eat it too! 😀
Hailey Parrish • Nov 14, 2024 at
My favorite Holiday Tradition is Opening Pajamas on Christmas Eve, and opening Presents with my Family on Christmas Day. It is super fun. That is one of the biggest reasons why I love Christmas so much. Opening Presents with my Family members.