In the Loop Newsletter
Nov 20, 2024
Dear Huskies,
Thanksgiving is next Thursday. The spirit of this holiday revolves around gratitude, community, and reflection. We acknowledge that holiday seasons can also come with a mix of emotions. During these times, coming together is more important than ever. This Thanksgiving, let us gather with loved ones, check in with each other, think about what we are grateful for, and move forward with a sense of gratitude.
First, let’s learn about the origin of Thanksgiving. It was originally a celebration for harvest. In the late 1600s, the Wampanoag taught the English Pilgrams how to grow food and shared their hunting, fishing, and gathering areas. Several months later, the Pilgrams decided to celebrate their first successful harvest. To learn more about the myth of the first Thanksgiving, explore the resources at the National Museum of the American Indian. In the U.S., the first officially observed Thanksgiving was on November 26 in 1789. Over the years, the meaning of Thanksgiving evolved like many other festivities. Nowadays, Thanksgiving is commonly associated with gratitude and a celebration of meaningful connections.
Thanksgiving has parallels with many holidays around the world. For example, the Mid-Autumn Festival in China is a time for family reunions and is celebrated by gathering, enjoying mooncakes, and appreciating the full moon together. On the other side of the world, the Ga people of Ghana celebrate Homowo, a tradition that was first started to celebrate the end of a long famine. Homowo means “hooting at hunger” and the festival involves sharing a special food named Kpokpoi and expressing gratitude for a bountiful harvest.
The experience of gratitude, big or small, is a shared human experience. Whether you’re celebrating with friends and family, or just want to recharge during the holiday season, here are a few ideas to make your Thanksgiving special:
- Cook some Thanksgiving food: The heart of Thanksgiving is the food. If you are up for some cooking, why not try making traditional dishes like roast turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, or a pumpkin pie?
- Have a Friendsgiving party: If you will not be with family on the day of Thanksgiving, gather your friends for a “Friendsgiving” celebration. Share a meal, play some games, and enjoy each other’s company.
- Write thankyou notes with friends: Take a moment to jot down who and what you are thankful for. While simple, this is a powerful way to appreciate the journey you have been on and those who have supported you along the way. Stop by the CIRCLE office on Nov 22 to write a gratitude postcard. Livewell will be able to mail these postcards internationally for you.
- Create your own holiday tradition: You can also consider celebrating this holiday in your own way. Whether it’s sharing a special dish from your home country or calling friends and family at home, these moments can make this holiday meaningful and memorable.
We hope that this Thanksgiving brings you warmth, joy, and a sense of community. However, holiday seasons can also be hard sometimes. If you are feeling sad during this time, know that you are not alone in feeling this way. We encourage you to stay active, connect with loved ones, and reach out for support when needed.
Sincerely,
CIRCLE Team
What are you thankful for? Let’s hear from CIRCLE student staffs.
“The wonderful support I continuously receive from people outside my bubble—and even from those I never expected support from. They make me feel understood and welcomed!”
“The support and sense of community that I have experienced at UW, in the wake of multiple transitions including the weather.”
“Adopting my sweet cat this past year. I am also grateful for getting into my top choice of graduate school program and meeting my amazingly supportive cohort.”
“The new friendship I cultivated at UW in the past year, the deepening connection I have with my college friends, and also the unexpected small kindness I encountered in random moments in life.”