Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and many families are ready to celebrate in their own ways.

This year, Thanksgiving falls on Nov. 22, the fourth Thursday of the month.

Families celebrate this holiday with their own unique festivities.

Sophomore LillyAnne Crews said that Thanksgiving means a lot to her and she has her own family tradition.

“Thanksgiving gives me a day to spend time with my loved ones,” Crews said. “My grandparents come to my house and then we decide who should make the turkey that year. My grandma makes many desserts like upside down pineapple cake.

“I love Thanksgiving. It really makes you realize that you have many things to be thankful for.”

In 1621, Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared a harvest feast, which is acknowledged today as the first Thanksgiving celebration.

Thanksgiving has been celebrated for many years, and in 1863, during the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November.

Senior Ethan Thayer also has his own family traditions, and he thinks the holiday is important.

“Thanksgiving is a special day to be with your family,” Thayer said. “I go to my grandparents’ house, and we cook lots of different foods. We also talk about things that we are thankful for.”

Many people think Thanksgiving is a day to eat a great deal of food and to enjoy their family, while some people keep the focus on celebrating everything they’re thankful for.

The first Thanksgiving was celebrated for three days, while today we celebrate for only one day, or maybe two if Black Friday plays a part in your festivities.

The most traditional foods for Thanksgiving are turkey, stuffing, gravy, potatoes, cornbread, cranberry sauce, and different types of pie.

Families celebrate this holiday in their own special ways, and they see it as more than just a day with food and family.