Why should every day be Thanksgiving Day?

How sweet is the universe for showering us with abundant gifts of life, friendship, and family that keep us grounded and whole. Today, we dedicate ourselves to them.

We thank their presence and the never-ending love that we receive from them, in good times and in bad. They have been instrumental in our lives, for showing us the beauty of the world, and for giving the best for us. Now, as you read this, I want you to pause for a while, look for the people you are thinking about right now and check in on them and give your tightest hugs! Are you done expressing your love to them? Now, let’s look at the other side of this holiday: enjoying blessings.

Today, the 25th of November, we are reminded how the simple joys in life, including the giggles of a 3-year old kid and the wagging tail of a fluffy dog, should be thanked for. High school students reflected on and wrote down their thank you messages in leaf-shaped paper cut-outs and real dried leaves. These were hung on the Thanksgiving tree, which was made by our language assistants, Ty, Gabe, and Jolina.

Among all the entries submitted by the students, the majority of them extended their love to the environment (shoutout to the student who specifically mentioned the clean water we drink), to their pets, and most importantly their family and friends. I know what you’re thinking, I too, have forgotten how essential and how we take for granted the mother Earth in some ways. This day is also a pledge for us not only to share kindness, but also a personal commitment to care for our surroundings and our neighbor, in short, let’s be a responsible steward of the planet.

There was also a Thanksgiving wall that was collectively created by the English department and there was a note that caught my attention that says, “I’m thankful for having such a lovely family and friend who supports me in everything I need. Also, I’m thankful for being able to go to school every day and for having a dish to eat.” That shot an arrow right through my heart! The feeling and attitude of acknowledging the small things in life, whether it be education or health, is always warming to hear.

Thanksgiving recipes

As we were talking about food, how could we not forget the star of the show? Some people call this day as Turkey Day, which is obviously the reason for the celebration. In the USA, families and friends get together for a feast. Traditionally includes mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, gravy, pumpkin pie, and roasted turkey with stuffing. And so, to feel the spirit of the holiday, our creative culinary expert, Consu, has made an Alkor-fusion Thanksgiving full course meal.

Not gonna lie, all her masterpieces, from the Barbie with a gown made of grapes, to the beautifully presented rice cake with a cute turkey made of bell peppers, cucumbers, and olives on top, were the center of attention in the hallway! Oh, how about you, what are you going to have for Thanksgiving dinner tonight? Could you share with us the recipe, just like what some students did in their English class?

The sugary chocolate Cola Cao drink that keeps you going throughout the day, the cool breeze on your face every morning… The music played through our earphones, the smiling faces of your classmates and teachers behind the mask… Aromatic herbs and spices that ooze out from the kitchen. As the inspirational surfer and lifecoach Bethany Hamilton once said, “strive to find things to be thankful for, and just look for the good in who you are.” May we learn to be grateful every day and in every moment we have the opportunity to do so.