Each year, students are given three days leading up to a weekend off from school to celebrate Thanksgiving. For some high school students, Thanksgiving means more than just the off of school, but annual traditions and spending time with their loved ones.

“On Thanksgiving, my family usually rents an Airbnb so that we have enough space to fit and seat everybody,” senior Gabby Pounds said. “It’s a tradition for all the kids, teens and young adults to play football before dinner, while the elders cook and talk. That’s my favorite, because I’ve been captain for two Thanksgivings in a row and plan on winning this year. The prize is normally first dibs on [all of the food] for the [winning] team.”

Pounds usually doesn’t get to see her family, so she said she cherishes the time to catch up and bond through game of football.

“I like being off of school, and I always love eating delicious food,” sophomore Kacie Hoesli said.

One may say that Thanksgiving cuisine is among the most well-known traditions of the holiday. In Hoesli’s case, the feast brings her family together, yet also allows her to savor the moment without the stress of school. For some, the true meaning of the holiday is deeper.

“Thanksgiving means family and uniting together and being able to spend time with people I may not see very often,” senior Lydia Jenkins said.

Every year, Jenkins’ family hosts their Thanksgiving festivities, accompanied by food, relaxation and the movie “Elf”, she said these traditions hold a special place in her heart, and leave her longing for the next Thanksgiving.

“Every year I go to the Thanksgiving Parade with my whole family,” freshman Parker Hayden said.

This year, Timberland students experience another year of giving thanks, each in their own unique way. Whether it is the feast, playing football, or simply spending time with those who don’t live near, Thanksgiving leaves room for all.