Send Us Information You Find Im- portant! International Student Services needs your assistance helping out other inter- In This Special Holiday News- letter: national student families. This newslet- Learn how to participate in ter is being written for you, so if you an American tradition have ideas and suggestions on topics Learn more about the up- that you think other international stu- coming Holiday season dent families would be interested in, please send an email to Ms. Sahar Zubairy at
[email protected]. American Traditions: Thanksgiving On the fourth Thursday of November, American families gather for a mid-day feast and to watch football, TV specials, and parades. Distinctive Thanksgiving foods in- clude a roasted turkey, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauces, and pumpkin pie. During the meal, many families express gratitude for positive things in their lives. Made an official holiday by Abraham Lincoln in 1884, Thanksgiving Day commemorates feasts shared in the 17th Century by early pilgrims and Native Americans. The feasts are said to have served to give thanks to God for a good harvest and for the Native Americans’ agricultural teachings. There exists some controversy regarding the holiday, as some feel that it ignores the brutal treatment of the Native Ameri- cans by early settlers. Remember that a vast majority of stores and restaurants will be closed completely or part of the day on the Thanksgiving day, so be sure to get all the essential items in advance. Before going to the store or the restaurant, call them and make sure they will be open. Things to do on Thanksgiving: Cook: The traditional thanksgiving dinner consists of Turkey served with mashed potatoes, carrots, and Brussels sprouts, with a dessert such as Pecan or Pumpkin pie.