If I’m being completely honest, I don’t think all the work put into Thanksgiving is worth it. The parades bore me. I only find football interesting if I’m in the stands. I don’t like ham or stuffing that much and the food kind of reminds me of what it must be like sitting in the dusty parlor of a 90-year-old lady’s house. 

   To me, Thanksgiving is just a sign that Halloween is over, the warm weather is gone, the stupid Pumpkin Spice flavors and scents will finally disappear from all the stores, and I can almost start decorating for Christmas. (Seriously, do we really need “Pumpkin Spice Twinkies”?)  Although, I have to say, I really don’t mind getting the entire week off of school. 

   Truthfully, there is nothing special about Thanksgiving that really “sticks” in my mind. I have memories that happened to occur during Thanksgiving, but no real memories about Thanksgiving. Like, the time my family went to Disney World during Thanksgiving break. I don’t see that as something my family did for Thanksgiving, I see it as something my family did during Thanksgiving because it was convenient since my brother and I didn’t have to miss school. 

   There is one Thanksgiving tradition I can think of. Even though every year I get a little annoyed at the fact that I have to eat food that I don’t like, I tough it out when everyone goes around the table and says what they are thankful for. Sometimes it’s sweet, like when my Mom says she’s thankful for my brother and me.  Sometimes it’s something you hear every year, like when my uncle says he’s grateful for the Boston Red Sox.  Usually, though, there is something that makes you think, like my Dad being appreciative of the blessings we’ve gotten during the year. That’s when I realize the same thing, I realize every year. It’s that all the stuff that comes with Thanksgiving doesn’t truly matter when you think about it. All that matters is being aware of the things that you are grateful to have. 

   I think about everything that I’m thankful for and realize it’s basically my whole life. I’m thankful for my family, my friends, my house, my phone, my ability for free education, and that’s not even half of the list. Thanksgiving may be boring or aggravating at times but in the end, Thanksgiving is worth it.