Bethany McDaniel
An International Thanksgiving
Many of my European friends wanted to experience the “American Thanksgiving.” Towards the end of the semester, we (the Americans) agreed but said in return, we want to experience the traditional foods of their home. Thus, we created the night of International Thanksgiving with homemade food prepared by people from all over Europe. This picture displays just a fraction of our cornucopia: Italian pizza, Danish meatballs, Austrian bread, French apple crumble, and American sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, potato salad, and green bean casserole. It was a heavenly evening. As we ate, we explained to the Europeans the American tradition going around the room telling what we are thankful for. Thus, the tradition enveloped. Some people gave silly replies, but many people gave heartfelt and touching answers that brought us closer together. There were over a dozen nationalities represented in the room that night, and it was so remarkable to see the bonds of friendship strengthening. We were all brought closer together and we appreciated each other and the uniqueness of each person all over a generous plate of food—the foundation of what the American Thanksgiving boils down to