With such diversity at Heritage, it’s no surprise that there are countless different traditions families choose to honor during the holiday season. From watching Charlie Brown to running a 5K, here are some of student’s favorite ways to celebrate Thanksgiving. 

Senior Jake Zeng opts to replace the traditional turkey at dinner with a duck instead. Peking ducks can often be used by the Chinese to symbolize traditional, gourmet cultural food. “Thanksgiving isn’t a Chinese holiday and we eat duck outside of holiday occasions, but Chinese families who have immigrated to America have adopted our traditions,” Zeng said.

Junior Anagha Iyer participates in a wholesome tradition, as she attempts to bake a sweet treat every holiday season. “I try to make an apple pie every year, though I have yet to be successful,” Iyer said. “I love relaxing and de-stressing during break, and this is the perfect way to enjoy my time.”

My family, however, chooses to participate in the annual Turkey Trot every Thanksgiving morning. “I love to start my day off with exercise before enjoying my favorite mac n cheese,” seventh grader Ella Colarte Delgado said. “We only make the dish once a year, so I love indulging and I feel less guilty because I ran a 5K that morning.”

Even with all of these different traditions, these students make sure to remain thankful on Thanksgiving and look forward to the year to come and reflect on the year that has past. 

_{Culture can play a huge role in the spread at Thanksgiving dinner. Junior Ramon Diaz and his family enjoy a more Hispanic version of the classic Thanksgiving feast, featuring dishes like lechón, yuca and arroz con frijoles. (Photo/Emma Colarte Delgado)}