Some are large, and some are small but all are grateful for their families at Thanksgiving.  Several students at Randolph Elementary School on S. Quincy share their thoughts about Thanksgiving plans and favorites.  Sometimes it was a little difficult to remember about the holiday since last year Thanksgiving was caught in the COVID lockdown.

Steven Martinez Molina says he goes to his cousin’s house for Thanksgiving Day.  He says, “We have chicken and turkey but I don’t like turkey very much.” Steven says his mom and dad and his little sister drive what seems like a long time to get there. But Chester, the dog, stays home. “You know why we named him Chester?  He is black with white spots like a chess game.” Steven explains one of his favorite things to do at Thanksgiving is to play chess, that is when he isn’t playing in the really big backyard where he swings very high.

Ella Jessup will be going to grandma’s house this year, which she says is nearby. Ella says it is her dad’s part of the family because most of her cousins are too far away. Ella will help her mother with the turkey, and they have gravy Ella Jessupand cranberries. “That is my favorite; I like fruit a lot.” Ella is grateful for her family this Thanksgiving “because that’s where I get all of my toys, with dolls being my favorite.”

Makayla Simpson says she is grateful for her family and she will help her mom and dad with the cooking and the cleanup for Thanksgiving Day. She says mom and dad do the cooking together. “I also clean Makayla Simpsonthe living room and decorate and set the table.” Makayla says she draws a sign which she puts outside her door inviting everyone to have a Happy Thanksgiving and puts more signs inside. Thanksgiving will be at her house with so many people, including some of her friends, that they have a long table and another table, too. The kids can sit anywhere they want, but they usually like to sit together. “My aunt brings pupusas and rice, and my other aunt brings mac and cheese.” They also have a turkey and stuffing.

Louisa Wedekind will help her mom cook Thanksgiving dinner at home with her specialty being the cranberries. She moves her arm in a circle as she demonstrates,“I stir them in the 

pan.” Also she cuts cucumbers and sometimes carrots for an appetizer. “We have roast chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy and rice and also stuffing.” Louisa says they have a little family with her mom and dad and her little brother so they have a lot to do. She is grateful for her family and friends and her marble run game and cookies; “M&M is the kind that I like.”