For many teachers, Thanksgiving is an important time to celebrate with loved ones. Thanksgiving differs for each teacher, who come from different backgrounds and cultures. 

For literary and language arts department chair Doris Schlothan, childhood Thanksgiving was spent eating half-Chinese meals such as stir-fry and rice as well as mashed potatoes, biscuits and turkey with immediate family. During adulthood, she celebrated “Friendsgiving,” eating and playing games with friends. 

“[Due to COVID-19,] it’s just the immediate family plus our significant others seeing my mom outside on her patio for a Thanksgiving ‘lunch,’” Schlothan said. “My mom will make each of our dishes separately on her grill so that there will be no ‘please pass the …’ to avoid contacting each other.”

Social studies teacher Shameemah Motala’s Thanksgiving looks a bit different; the meals have an added Asian flair, incorporating spices such as cumin and turmeric. Motala also makes sure to say prayers throughout the day.

“My mom will make Indian samosas … and there are certain potato dishes that we’ll incorporate spices and stuff that are used in Indian culture to kind of give it more flavor,” Motala said. “[We also have] a melktert, which is a South African dessert that is a custard-based pie.”

Spanish teacher Kari Tubbs celebrates Thanksgiving with two different gatherings. While over with parents and extended family, she feasts on a larger meal potluck-style but keeps it simpler with immediate family.

“[I usually bring] a homemade hummus for appetizer, homemade cranberry sauce and an apple candy pie,” Tubbs said. “I [also] like to set a pretty table and have just my immediate family celebrate. I cook everything, and we have a nice round [two].”

Thanksgiving for math teacher Nicole Larson starts off with running a 5K “Turkey Trot,” which has been modified to be virtual to accommodate COVID-19 safety regulations. In the afternoon, she eats traditional Thanksgiving foods with Ecuadorian dishes like arroz con pollo with her grandparents and extended family.

“My extended family is very close to one another, and we truly enjoy each other’s company when we are together,” Larson said. “This year especially, I am thankful for the relationships I have with all of my family, even if I can’t see them, and this forced distance gives me an extra appreciation for how much I really love all of them.”