By Shane Cheslofska
Welcome to The Teen Talk! This is a part of North Andover Life where you can look at the thoughts and ideas of North Andover’s younger residents!
My name is Shane, and I am a teen here in town. For many teens, Thanksgiving is a time for food and family, but what does it really mean to them? I asked a handful of teens what their families’ Thanksgiving traditions are and what Thanksgiving means to them.
Thanksgiving looks different for families depending on age, location, and family traditions. I wanted to see similarities and differences between traditions, whether people have new traditions or more generational ones, and what Thanksgiving means to teens.
Molly Stagno (8th grade) says her favorite part of Thanksgiving is family. “We always go to a relative’s house, and my dad fries a turkey.” Things like this make her happy, she says. Having memories like this gives families something to look forward to. Even preparing a meal is something that can make Thanksgiving special.
Sam Stephens (8th grade) says, “Thanksgiving is a great time of year. To me, it means spending time with family.” Sam’s family often shares a meal or sits and talks. “However we spend it, we spend it together!” he says. Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be a scheduled holiday. Sometimes sitting and talking makes for the best celebration.
Next, I spoke with Brynn Dufresne (7th grade) about what she does for Thanksgiving. “We get together for family dinner.” She also said, “I love being with my cousins and family!” Catching up with relatives you don’t always see is a good reminder of the importance of family.
Finally, I spoke with Colin Lundy (8th grade). “I go down to Boston and see my dad’s side of the family and hang out.” Distance doesn’t have to impact the fun you have with family.
Even though each family has its own way of celebrating, these interviews show that Thanksgiving is more than the meal itself. It’s about the memories made.
Although each teen had a different answer, the emerging theme was family. Traditions don’t have to look the same for Thanksgiving. What’s important is being together!
At the end of the day, Thanksgiving isn’t about what you’re doing; it’s about who you’re with! We saw this with everyone I talked to!
To parents: Talk to your kids, pick apples, go to a farm! Thanksgiving is a time to pause and look at everything you’re grateful for! (Plus, good food helps!)
Shane Cheslofska is an 8th grader at North Andover Middle School.
