In every culture, Thanksgiving is about spending time with family with cultural additions. The melting pot of the country is well represented by the diverse cultures in the school.

The foods of different cultures are one of the greatest impacts on Thanksgiving. Sophomore Ming Perlman described how his Chinese culture led to diverse food choices.

“We make a lot of Chinese food like noodles, duck and pork with fried rice,” Perlman said. “We give each other red envelopes with money in them.”

Many other families found ways to integrate their culture into a typical Thanksgiving meal. Junior Nicolas Kopinsky explained how his Argentinian heritage changed the typical food selection.

“We of course eat turkey every year,” Kopinsky said. “However, we also have Hispanic foods like empanadas and Argentinian steak.”

Sophomore Katie Faour also included different foods that complemented American classics. Her Mexican family members affected her food.

“We eat traditional Thanksgiving food like turkey, egg salad and potatoes,” Faour said. “I also have Mexican family, so we eat food like fajitas and taquitos.”

Different families engaged in unique customs repeated every year on Thanksgiving. Perlman spent time with his family in different ways.

“We go to my uncle’s pool and swim after the meal with the whole family,” Perlman said. “We always help make turducken.”

Faour engaged in close family bonding when she visits La Marque, TX every year.

“Every Thanksgiving, our family tells us a little about our heritage,” Faour said. “We also watch football and go to the park.”

The most important component of Thanksgiving for everyone, however, was spending time with family. Kopinsky enjoyed the idea of hanging out with his family members.

“We celebrate with my whole family, including my grandparents and cousins,” Kopinsky said. “Our family becomes a lot closer on Thanksgiving.”

The closeness of family and thankfulness to be in a good place in life was important to Perlman. He reflected on his culture and gratefulness of life.

“My family has an opportunity to be thankful that they live in America and have a good life,” Perlman said. “A big part of Asian culture is having luck through being thankful in everyday life.”

Thanksgiving is meaningful to many because of its ability to bring cultures together and feel thankful for being alive. Through all of this, everyone agrees that the essential nature of family is the true force behind Thanksgiving.