With the smell of pumpkin spice roaming the halls and turkey filling the air, it is evident that many homes are sharing the Thanksgiving spirit. Celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, Thanksgiving has officially arrived.

The first Thanksgiving celebration was in Autumn of 1621. The pilgrims had produced a successful harvest and wanted to commemorate their good fortunes. The celebration lasted for three days, and the Indians and pilgrims attended the feast which included activities like hunting and other entertainment.

Thanksgiving was declared a national holiday on Nov. 26, 1863 by President Abraham Lincoln. Since then, Thanksgiving has become a time to feast with family and friends.

“My family switches off whose side of the family we spend Thanksgiving with,”Sophomore Caleigh Ramsey said. “One year I spend it with my mom’s side of the family, and the next year we spend it with my dad’s.”

Sophomore Molly Sheridan and her family have their own traditions surrounding the holiday.

“My mom, my sister, and I, for the past few years, go Black Friday shopping the day after Thanksgiving,” Sheridan said.

Throughout Thanksgiving day, there are many programs shown on TV that bring family members to one screen. The most popular being Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the NFL football games.

“My family and I spend time watching football on Thanksgiving,” Sophomore Tanner Diomede said.

Other traditions consist of baking fall foods like pies, potatoes, homemade rolls, and the acclaimed turkey.

“My grandma makes the best mashed potatoes on Thanksgiving!” Diomede said.

In many hearts, the Day of Giving captures the feeling of the family, friends, and feasts.

“It is my family’s and my favorite holiday because it brings us together,” Sophomore Jenna Martin said. “I look forward to it every year and love the history that surrounds it.”