Maybe I’m wrong, but I believe that Thanksgiving is a love or hate occasion; there’s usually no in between. I’ve noticed that when I speak to people about this holiday, I tend to find two completely contrasting opinions. There’s the type of person who raves about the celebration and its food, and there’s the opposite who views it as a complete waste of time. Well, I decided to find members of the two conflicting parties.
But first, let’s get one thing straight. Who actually knows or cares about the historical aspect of Thanksgiving? We all have the general knowledge that some Pilgrims and Native Americans shared a turkey… so what?
We as a society have turned this sorry excuse of a “holiday” into a week-long celebration. And you know what? I love it. I mean come on! No school for a couple days, the chance to gorge ourselves on carb-filled foods, a reminder to appreciate everything we have in life, AND TWO DAYS of deals?! What’s not to love??
Although, as much as I treasure this underrated time of the year, I can see both sides of the ongoing Thanksgiving disagreement. The more I think about it, the more sense it makes to me that for different people with different situations, this could either be a lovely occasion or an absolute nightmare.
For example, a perspective which I often selfishly overlook is the struggle of those with split parents or different family situations during the holiday season.
Senior Sydney Mullen said that having divorced parents is a super annoying obstacle to deal with during this time. She claimed she doesn’t even enjoy the food enough to make up for the stress that this holiday brings her and her family.
“All the planning, timing, and people getting mad is not worth the absolutely mid food,” said Mullen. “It’s plain and too filling, but maybe that’s just because it’s made by white people.”
Okay, fair point.
On the other hand, senior Alaina Fields seems to have a more positive outlook on this topic.
“I love Thanksgiving; it’s such a joyful time,” said Fields. “You get to spend time with family, have a nice dinner, and think about all the things you’re thankful for.”
Two of her favorite parts about Thanksgiving are the stuffing and Black Friday… two very valid opinions.
Coming in hot with another highly pessimistic but potentially justifiable point of view is senior Trianna Walls, who is not afraid to be brutally honest.
“My opinion of Thanksgiving is that it’s way overhyped.” Just wait, she was fired up.
“This holiday is pointless since it’s celebrating like the Pilgrims harvest or something,” said Walls. “I appreciate the aspect of bringing people together but who actually thinks of the Pilgrims once on Thanksgiving? No one.”
Once again, a valid statement was made.
She clearly is not a fan of the holiday or the food involved, which is beyond upsetting.
“I’m a Thanksgiving food hater,” Walls continued. “Turkey is a mid meat and who actually likes cranberry sauce? Like why is that a thing? And the green beans are just nasty. Only the dessert is fire.”
Alright! Lots to unpack here, but overall I’d say Walls flawlessly represents the hating side in this battle. When speaking previously about the two drastically differing opinions I seem to come across, Trianna Walls exemplifies the exact blueprint of those who are not fans of this festivity.
Let’s move back to another optimistic viewpoint! Our wonderful and lovely substitute Mrs. Arner said she has grown to love Thanksgiving and noted that it signifies the blessings of the year.
“I have no negative feelings; it’s a warm and fuzzy holiday! I love it,” said Mrs. Arner. Aww, what an angel of a woman.
She made a great point, which I hadn’t previously taken into consideration, that for some this holiday is a time of relaxation before the stress of the Christmas season hits. She described it as “a laid back time together… no gifts required; a special and simple occasion.”
Preach, Mrs. Arner.
This is the type of attitude I love to see, but as I said before, I’ve come to understand that sadly not everyone shares the deep connection over loving this holiday which Alaina Fields, Mrs. Arner, and myself now share.
Thanksgiving seems to cause an endless dispute–you either belong to the side who hypes it up or the side who hates it. You either love the stuffing like Alaina Fields, or you think white people don’t season the turkey enough like Sydney Mullen. Whatever you believe, be sure to remember that in the end, it’s all just a great excuse to overindulge on pecan pie and go shopping!
