Thanksgiving is a time of togetherness and appreciation. Through the many years since the first Thanksgiving in 1621, traditions have evolved and the holiday has been customized by the millions of families that celebrate it each year. Though the traditions of each family can dramatically differ, the same values of gratitude are kept throughout.

We are all familiar with the story of the first Thanksgiving in 1621: the Pilgrims and Native Americans gathered for a feast prompted by a season of good harvest, giving thanks and celebrating. The feast did not become a tradition in the United States until the first nation-wide celebration of Thanksgiving was announced by George Washington on November 26, 1789. It was declared a national holiday by Abraham Lincoln in 1863. Now, every year on the fourth Thursday in November, we gather with our families and friends to carry on the celebration.

A well known trademark of Thanksgiving is turkey. Most often, turkey is the center focus of the Thanksgiving feast in American homes. However, no historical journals or facts mention turkey being served at the first feast in 1621. It is known that, at the first feast, beef and wild fowl (most likely ducks and geese) were served. No evidence exists of cranberry sauce, turkey, or pumpkin pie being present at the first Thanksgiving. However, these foods have mysteriously become staples of the annual meal.

While still reserving the tradition of the original Thanksgiving feast, families have found ways to personalize it.

When asked about their Thanksgiving traditions, junior Casey Gauvin said, “I go to New York and run in the “Smiles Change Lives” 5K every Thanksgiving. Instead of turkey, the kids in my family eat dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets.”

Sienna Mobley, junior, said, “We go to my family’s house in Massachusetts and jump off the docks. The boys play football while the rest of us watch, then everybody goes back inside for food. Two people in my family are vegetarians, so we make a fake turkey for them.”