UWSP Students Share Thanksgiving Traditions

With the holiday season fast approaching, many students have excitement for what lies ahead.

Thanksgiving is this Thursday and will be the first time many students have seen family and friends all semester. Besides reuniting with loved ones, students also have traditions that they look forward to every year.

Alyssa Giaimo. Photo by Mary Knight.

Alyssa Giaimo. Photo by Mary Knight.

Alyssa Giaimo, junior communications major, is from Delafield, WI.

Giaimo says her favorite part is being together with her large family. She describes them as a big loud Italian family who loves to embrace each other.

“My immediate family tradition is going on a hike every thanksgiving morning,” said Giaimo. “We go to different places around the Kettle Moraine state forest but always end up at this natural spring area which is stunning.”

Paige Jacob. Photo by Anyon Rettinger.

Paige Jacob. Photo by Anyon Rettinger.

Paige Jacob, junior communications major, is from McHenry, IL.

Jacob said her favorite part about thanksgiving is being home with family and friends. She likes seeing her pets and her family’s new puppy.

“Our family tradition every year is that we watch the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving movie,” said Jacob.

Jacob travels a little farther to see her family in Illinois so the holidays are a nice time to relax with loved ones.

Travis Roth. Photo by Anyon Rettinger.

Travis Roth. Photo by Anyon Rettinger.

Travis Roth, senior biology major, is from Monterey, WI.

Roth said he likes going home and seeing his family and dogs.

“I’ve been home once since I moved here. I pretty much only go home for the holidays so it nice to see everyone in my extended family too,” said Roth.

His family tradition includes all the guys in the family getting together to play a game of football together.

For many, seeing family and reconnecting with friends itself is the tradition. Some students also have fun events and activates they look forward to like Roth.

Ryan Schmid. Photo by Anyon Rettinger.

Ryan Schmid. Photo by Anyon Rettinger.

Ryan Schmid, junior forestry and recreation major, is from Muskego, WI.

Schmid says he loves sitting around the table talking and laughing with family. He always enjoys spending time with his dogs too.

His family tradition includes “playing a family football game before we eat,” said Schmid.

Another student who has planned activities is

Morgan Winter. Photo by Anyon Rettinger.

Morgan Winter. Photo by Anyon Rettinger.

Morgan Winter.

Winter, senior elementary education and special education major from Jainsville, WI, only goes home a couple times during her semester. Seeing extended family is her holiday highlight. She also likes to meet up with a friend and spend time going out and shopping the next day.

“A close friend and I always get together and go black Friday shopping after midnight every year,” said Winter.

There’s a spirit of unity and togetherness throughout these next months, but especially with Thanksgiving which is a time to celebrate the blessings in life, be it tangible or intangible.

Take time this week to tell someone how much they matter. Be thankful and celebrate blessings.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Anyon Rettinger

Multimedia Reporter

Arett489@uwsp.edu

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