To most of us, Thanksgiving means a time for giving, family and food. It is a time to reflect upon all we are grateful for, the friends and family that surround us and, of course, the great food.

No matter how you celebrate Thanksgiving, at your house, at a friend’s or at your grandmother’s, they all have one thing in common; the sense of togetherness and love of family and friends.

When asked what Thanksgiving meant to junior speech language pathology student Erika Oberg, she said, “Thanksgiving is a simple concept where everyone gets together to share, not like other holidays, which revolve around giving and taking.”

Oberg, who is also half Swedish, celebrates at her grandmother’s house, where she enjoys seeing her family and eating the fresh cranberry sauce her grandparents make from fresh picked cranberries from Cape Cod.

Another interesting Thanksgiving celebration can be found at the Huertes household. Asia Huertes, a junior architecture major at Marywood, talked about her family traditions and some unusual food she eats on the holiday.

Huertes, self-described as half Puerto Rican and half African American, celebrates the holiday two ways. First, she had a Thanksgiving lunch at her abuiletas (grandmother’s) house. Then she has close family and friends over to her house to celebrate with penir (pork), bastilles (ground up pumpkin), and some more traditional foods such as turkey and mashed potatoes.

Sister Rose Kelly, assistant professor of religious studies, also values time for family and prayer. Sister Rose lives in the St. Joseph’s Convent in Carbondale. She is unable to see her immediate family for the holiday, but she considers her friends and community to be her family as they gather around for a delicious dinner and social experience. She also admitted she loves taking the time to rest and said she may even watch a movie from Netflix.

Dr. John DePoe, assistant professor of philosophy , said his greatest challenge this Thanksgiving will be traveling to Texas with a new baby to visit his wife’s relatives. He is excited for good food, family, and of course his favorite, college football.

Students and faculty among the Marywood Campus have different traditions, rituals, and plans for Thanksgiving. They all have one value in common: gathering and giving thanks for what they love the most.

“Thanksgiving is a day that focuses on gratitude of God, family, and friends,” Sister Rose said.