In a world where there is so much confusion, discourse, and unknown futures, there are so many things to be thankful for this holiday season. Thanksgiving is simply a chance to appreciate the good things in life, such as family, friends, sports, communities, love, and so much more. The Eye of the Gale spoke with some community members who shared their thoughts on Thanksgiving.
A Lancaster resident, Victoria Ruckman, said she knows that many people feel as though they are not as fortunate as others, but even the smallest of things can make them feel grateful during the holiday seasons.
“I am thankful for the blessing I have been fortunate enough to receive in life, my family, my friends, and a beautiful community that I am proud to be a part of,” said Ruckman.
Millie Willis, an elderly citizen from Lancaster, said that she has been very fortunate in her life. She said that she lives by the motto that days on Earth are very limited and one never knows when those days will run out, therefore, be thankful for every day.
“I’m very thankful for my family. I have two daughters, five beautiful grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. I’ve been very blessed,” said Willis.
Larry Lucas, an Army veteran from Kentucky, explained that he was very grateful for many things, but he was mainly grateful for being a United States citizen.
“I am thankful that I still have the ability to live in a free country. I am also thankful to have an amazing daughter,” said Lucas.
Rebecca Vaughn, a Lancaster citizen with the Lancaster Fun Bus explained how she’s never really gotten to celebrate the holidays because she was working different jobs throughout her life.
“I was never one to celebrate holidays. I was always working as a kid and I truly believe you should always be thankful all 365 days of the year instead of just one day a year,” said Vaughn.
According to the Institute for Family Studies, family traditions are an activity or pattern of behavior that reflects a family’s values, interests, or beliefs and once established it will hopefully be passed down through generations.
Like routines, they provide predictability and a sense of security and safety. Family traditions help children feel as though they fit in somewhere. And in time, the traditions come to define who each person in the family is, countering alienation, and offering steadiness and certainty (Coulson).
Food brings people closer through shared experiences whether it’s cooking together or trying new foods.
“Every time we eat, we craft our identities, perform relationships, and shape our communities, from the local to the global,” said Harry G. West, a writer with MIT Press Reader.
Early humans were more successful when they banded together to hunt; they enjoyed greater security when they cooked and ate their food together (West).
Lucas expressed his favorite tradition was the gathering of his relatives for the holiday.
“I have quite a lot of different traditions but my most favorite is getting my family all together for a big Thanksgiving dinner every year,” said Lucas.
Ruckman loved all the family traditions that were passed down but her family to her, as well as creating new traditions for her daughter to pass down
“My favorite tradition is getting to bake with my daughter as well as passing down new recipes for her future children,” said Ruckman.
To Willis, a favorite Thanksgiving tradition is getting together with her relatives each and every year.
“My favorite tradition is mostly getting together with my family for a big turkey dinner,” said Willis.
