The Tiny Thanksgiving by Miranda Doller

You know the typical Thanksgiving holiday. Your whole family gathered around a large table with food brought in by your relatives. Seeing that favorite cousin walk in and thank God for their existence because without them you wouldn't know what to do with yourself for a good 10 hours. That Thanksgiving is non-existent in my life. It's only my mom, dad, and I... and my dogs. Half of my family lives in Argentina and the other in Israel. Hey, I'm not complaining. I love my little family. It makes me sad, though, because I've never met my cousins or uncles or aunts or grandparents. Well that's a lie. I did meet one of my uncles in New York and my grandma did visit for two weeks back in 2011. But nevertheless, still a tiny family. I was talking to my friend the other day and she said she had 15 people over! I can't imagine having 15 people over at my house and having to deal with them (in the most polite manner, of course). I can only keep up the "nice-daughter" act for so long. I'm not saying I'm not nice. I actually think I can be extremely nice to even the most rudest people in the world. It's just being around over 10 people in a confined space (a house), would make me very agitated and I would probably have a headache for most of the time. Another problem I would have if my family was over, is that they all speak Spanish. Every one of them. I hate to say it, but I am the only person in the family that can't speak a word of Spanish. My second cousin's daughter, who's 10, might I add, speaks 4 languages: Hebrew, English, French, and Spanish. Here I am, barely keeping up in French class and still second-guessing myself on whether in the word "field" is spelled with "ei" or "ie". ( For your information: I spelled it wrong when I was typing it). I'm getting way off topic here, but I hope you, the reader, understands my point. I would not like my mother bugging me about how a 10 year-old is smarter than me on Thanksgiving. I would definitely love to have my relatives over for a get-together. Both sides of the family. But for now, it's just my mom, dad, and I... and of course, the dogs. A happy family with a 20-pound turkey on the table, ready to be gobbled up... (pun intended (sorry vegans and vegetarians)). 

<<an accurate picture of my family

<<a random picture of two very cute yorkie puppies I found on the internet because I have no pictures of both of them on my computer

Thanks By Gianna Gorvan

   It is finally November. Only one more week until Thanksgiving. This time of year makes me realize how truly lucky I am, and not just on Thanksgiving. In the spirit of the holiday, I recognize how much I have been given in my life; friends, family, and experiences. I could not be happier to live the life I do. The life I was put into is one that I am genuinely grateful to be apart of. 

   To my dear friends, thank you. Thank you for teaching me my self worth. I would not be the person I am today without you. I wouldn't have the same sense of humor, the same happiness, or the same confidence if it were not for you all. You have taught me that there are good people in the world, people who want the best for you, and will fight for you and with you. You are all worth so much to me and I don't think there is any way to break our bond.

 
  To my family, there are not enough words to describe the amount of thanks I have for you. I have been lucky enough to grow up in a large, crazy family which has given me more unconditional love than imaginable. I have been given the blessing of having family members of all ages with all different ideas that they are able to share with me which has shaped me into the person I am. As crazy as the DeMuro-Gorvan 'clan' may be, I am more than happy to be a part of it. I would not trade it for the world. Thank you for providing me with the everything and for encouraging me every step of the way. I hope you know that you have given me every ounce of perseverance in my body, you are the drive behind it all. I love you all eternally.  

   My experiences, somethings that have changed me for the better. I am grateful for everything I have experienced so far in my life time and plan to continue my thanks for everything I have yet to experience. The bad days; I am grateful to have been able to go through these and learn that even the worst of times will pass, and that I am stronger than I think. The best of days; I am lucky to know there is something good in each day, some things that are simply unforgettable. School; I have been given the best education able to be provided for me, and because of that I enjoy learning and I want to strive in my academics. My sport. Though it sounds cliche, I really am who I am because of cheerleading. It has brought me through so many ups and downs, it has taught me so many lessons. I have made unbreakable bonds that would not have even began if it weren't for this sport. Thank you cheerleading for making me realize the greatest moments in life need to be worked for and can be done only with the help of others. 

   Thanksgiving is a time of year for giving thanks, (it's in the name), but it should not be the only time we stop and think about what is important to us and what means the most to us. As a society, we need to focus on what we love more than once every few weeks during a holiday. Instead of using Thanksgiving only as a time to post on social media about how grateful we are, let's use everyday to tell everyone we are thankful for just that. Tell everyone how grateful you are on Thanksgiving, but do not let it stop there.