How Some Ole Miss Students Celebrate Thanksgiving

Traditions and Ole Miss go hand in hand when it comes to just about anything. Whether you are tailgating in the Grove, going to Double Decker, or celebrating a holiday; all of these symbolize some sort of tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation.

With the Holiday season approaching, this is a time for families and friends to come together and be thankful. Being an out-of-state student at Ole Miss, I do not get to visit home quite often, as I would like sometimes. The holidays come just in time for me when I’m tired and need a break from school, as I am sure it does for many other out-of-state students.

Thanksgiving is the most celebrated holiday in the United States; however, it’s celebrated differently by everyone. With different states and families, come different traditions. So, how do you celebrate Thanksgiving?

Over the past 19 years, my family has celebrated and created both new and old traditions. One tradition that has withstood the test of time is our family skeet shooting tournament. Growing up in South Georgia, my family became big outdoorsmen. Everyone in the family has a great shot, which always makes it way more fun. I have yet to be the champion, but I’m still waiting for the chance to beat my brother! I think he has won the past six years…..

In Chicago, Illinois, Reilly Burnetti and her family always celebrate Thanksgiving by going to Macy’s and the Walnut Room. Burnetti, an Ole Miss student, goes to these two places with her mom, grandmother and sister ever year. The Walnut Room is a restaurant where Burnetti’s great-grandmother used to work. Then, it used to be very hard to eat there. Today, it retains its elegance but is a little bit easier to get into. After that, they go look at the windows in Macy’s, which used to be Marshall Fields until they were bought out by Macy’s. They have been doing this since she was a little girl, and she looks forward to it every year. 

What better way to celebrate Thanksgiving than going back to its roots? Ole Miss student Sarah Read celebrates Thanksgiving with her family every year by going to their farm in North Georgia. On Thanksgiving Day, they all get dressed in old pilgrim-style clothes and run an entire 5k around their property. Eventually, they make their way back to their house to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving Day feast. I guess this makes them feel a little less guilty about eating all the food!

Distance between family members is an obstacle worth overcoming. So no matter how you and your family celebrate Thanksgiving, let this holiday be a reminder of the importance of coming together, cherishing old memories and creating new ones in the process. 

Caroline Stewart is an intern for HottyToddy.com. She can be reached at cdstewa3@go.olemiss.edu. 

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