As Thanksgiving break approaches, Guyer High School students are preparing to celebrate the holiday in a variety of ways- from traditional family gatherings to “Friendsgiving” dinners, and time spent giving back to the community. 

For many students, Thanksgiving is a time to pause, reflect, and relax after a busy fall semester.

“I’ll be going down to Louisiana this year, because my family lives down there and we’re just gonna eat, talk, and hang out,” said Junior, Saniyah London.

But not everyone at Guyer celebrates Thanksgiving the same way. 

“Me and my family are headed to Italy and France for Thanksgiving. We decided to skip the usual holiday plans this year and just travel. We’re mainly excited to see new places and try new foods,” Sophomore Aaniya Patel stated. 

Some students use this time to connect with their cultural heritage. With Guyer’s diverse student body, Thanksgiving dinners often feature a mix of traditional and international foods.

“We have pico de gallo, lots of chips and salsa, and lots of brisket, along with the regular turkey and ham. So there are a few traditional items, but with our own twist, ” said Sophomore Lauren Castro.

While some students are traveling out of state to visit family, others are planning to spend the break relaxing at home. For many, Thanksgiving is a welcome chance to catch up on sleep, enjoy time with loved ones, and recharge before the final push to winter break. 

No matter how they choose to celebrate, gratitude and connection remain the focus for students at Guyer. As Saniyah put it, “It’s about getting to hang out with family and being grateful for everything you’ve been given.”