Giving Thanks

In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and the Wampanoag shared an autumn harvest feast that is known today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies. For over two centuries, days of thanksgiving were celebrated by individual colonies. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving day to be held each November in honor of the first feasts held. Roughly two centuries later, people continue to celebrate the holiday.

Thanksgiving break this 2021, students and staff at Sierra Vista High School express the effects of the Thanksgiving spirit.

Heather Kolb, freshman studies and sociology teacher at SVHS said, “Giving thanks is important because it shows appreciation for the people in my life and those I care about. It makes them happy,” Kolb explained,

“I am thankful for my son, my health, and that I have a job that I like. The people I have in my life and my dogs.” She also mentioned, “I always share what I am thankful for with my family around the dinner table on Thanksgiving. We do this every year, it is a tradition.”

Students also expressed the importance of giving thanks. Olivia Lester, junior at SVHS added, “Giving thanks is important to me because it helps me recognize the positives in my life. It helps me realize all that I am thankful for; my family and friends because they always support my dreams.”

She continued, “Thanksgiving is not only one of my favorite times of the year because of the delicious food, but because I can express to those I care about how much they have done for me in the spirit of the holiday.”

After all, Thanksgiving; a holiday for togetherness and gratitude.

Also, Arion Cuddeback, junior at SVHS shared one of her Thanksgiving traditions,

“On Thanksgiving I always sit around the table with my family and friends. We get to share what we are thankful for and  a large meal with delicious food,”

Expanding on this Cuddeback said, “Telling my family and friends I am grateful for them around the dinner table is important because you never know what somebody is going through, it could be helpful to share that you care for them.” Cuddeback continued on to say,

“I hope people realize how much of an effect one act of kindness and gratitude can do and that they continue to share with others they are grateful for them.”

Thanksgiving gives time to shower the world with love and gratitude. As author Roy T. Bennet once said, “Be thankful for everything in your life; it’s all an experience.”