By Staff Writer Michaella Lesieur.
It’s that time of year again when the weather starts to nip at your nose and the days get shorter, bringing about the laughter and cheer of the holiday season. Thanksgiving is just around the corner and with that comes traditions that have been with families for years, making the day extra special.
From gathering around the table to sharing in old tales and new, to enjoying a feast, people always look forward to the family bonding time that comes with the holiday. “My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving, it is my favorite holiday because my family always celebrates it. It has always been our holiday where we get together and share stories about the good and the bad and lessons of the year,” shared Great Barrington resident Augusta Motta. “My favorite dish is a cranberry orange dish my mom makes. Over all my favorite tradition is that we always get together as a whole to celebrate it.”
Mom’s homemade pumpkin pie to grandma’s mile high apple pie there are made traditions that date back from years ago. Turkey, carrots and turnip, stuffing, rolls and the list could go on and on. There is always a dish that is brought to the table year after year that brings about that holiday taste.
Former UMass Dartmouth student Marissa Stevens loves the familiar smells that take her back to her childhood. “My favorite family tradition is every year since I was little, I would wake up to the smell of coffee and cinnamon rolls in my house. My mom loves to bake and cook so she would always go way out for Thanksgiving,” said Stevens. “My favorite of hers was her apple pie because we always baked them with apples that we picked a week prior.”
Gathering together is always something that is held close to the heart. “As [my mom] began to finish her prep before the family would come over my family and I would watch the Macy’s parade. I love seeing all the different floats and entertainment,” said Stevens. “Thanksgiving to me has always been such an important part of my life because being able to spend time with your family is so important to me and I am thankful for them every day.”
The legendary Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade will air on November 22, 2018 at 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. The parade has been around for more than nine decades and is something all ages will love. If you are looking to tune into the historic parade, it airs on NBC.
Many look forward to the whole Thanksgiving weekend, as they are able to take a break from the hustle and bustle. “Now it’s that weekend that I love the most, from the shopping we do together on Main Street in my hometown of Great Barrington, Massachusetts and our exchanging of Christmas wish lists,” said Mott. “We even usually talk about Christmas trees and decorations.”
As we enter the holiday months The Torch wishes, everyone the happiest of holiday seasons and hopes that all students and faculty take some time to enjoy those special moments with the ones they love. Even if you are not celebrating the holidays this year, we wish you safe travels!