Thanksgiving symbolizes peace, thankfulness, and the beginning of the holiday season. That being said, the traditions that each family upholds are different throughout households. Some people go to a local football game, others do turkey trots or some just stay at home and watch the Thanksgiving Day Parade.

“My Thanksgiving consists of running the Southbury Turkey Trot, watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and then traveling to visit family,” said Olivia Schewenger.

Abby Bunk has some similar traditions. In the past she has traveled to visit her family but this year both sides of her family are combining for Thanksgiving.

One of the biggest and funniest traditions that we do in my family is we name our turkey,” said Bunk. “It’s always funny to see the different names people suggest.”

Other families spend the morning watching local football games. Some popular ones in the area are Naugatuck vs Ansonia; Wolcott vs Holy Cross; Kennedy vs Crosby; and Watertown vs Torrington.

Each family has their own way of celebrating Thanksgiving but the main focus across households stays the same: the food. Whether your family eats a traditional Thanksgiving meal, or includes some not so traditional items, there is always a wide variety of food covering the table.

Schwenger’s typical Thanksgiving meal includes many traditional items such as turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, and lots of cranberry sauce.

“I love the traditional Thanksgiving food we have but I am also excited every year to try anything weird on the table,” said Schwenger.

Bunk, on the other hand, is not a fan of the traditional turkey so her plate is mostly filled with ham, as well as macaroni and cheese.

Thanksgiving is a time for family and friends to come together. Not everyone’s Thanksgiving is the same but the overall purpose of Thanksgiving stays constant throughout households.

“Thanksgiving gives me an opportunity to see family I haven’t seen in a while,” said Bunk. “I also get to spend time with the people I love, which is the most important part of Thanksgiving to me.”