For many, Thanksgiving has been a time for people to gather together with loved ones and be thankful for all the blessings in their life. However, in 2020, people have had to adapt and change traditional plans in order to be together, thankful, and safe around each other in the middle of a global pandemic.

With the world seeming to take on a new challenge everyday, people are still finding ways to enjoy Thanksgiving. Aden Blake,  junior, said, “I am leaving for a soccer tournament in Phoenix on Thanksgiving night.” Being on a highly competitive soccer team, Blake gets the opportunity to travel out of state to play in a tournament that attracts teams from all over the country. 

While a select few get the opportunity to travel during the holiday, many are staying home with their families. “The only plans that we have as of right now are just staying home and eating together as a family,” said Ethan Overley, senior.

Along with the joy and excitement of Thanksgiving, all families have traditions that can vary from one another. Whether it be going Black Friday shopping as a family, or sitting by the fire listening to relatives tell stories of their past, these traditions are always appreciated.

For the Walker family, their traditions start the night before Thanksgiving. “The night before, my family and I play a game of monopoly,” said Cade Walker, senior. “The game adds some friendly competition between us but it also makes us feel more as a family.”

The Depinto family’s tradition involves bringing holiday cheer to their gathering. “The night of Thanksgiving, my family always watches Christmas Vacation as we get ready for the Christmas season,” said Julia Depinto, senior. 

Now more than ever, families are feeling more and more separated from each other. “Due to covid we had to only invite our closest family and limit the amount of people to only 10,” said Overley. Overley continued, “Even though it’s not what we wanted, we understand why it has to be this way.” While this is upsetting, families know that by doing this, they are lowering their chances of getting COVID-19 as well as helping stop the spread of the virus.

Although Thanksgiving might be very different from what it used to be in the past, students along with their families are finding the brighter side of the unfortunate events that our world has been plagued by in the past few months. By seeking out the positives, families can still enjoy the holiday that brings them together while also being safe.

Jake West, staff reporter