By Amelia Kibbe
Staff Writer
The end of the semester may only be a few weeks off, but many St. Bonaventure students have not yet shifted their focus to studying. Instead, they are looking forward to their upcoming Thanksgiving breaks.
Thanksgiving is fast approaching, and many students are anxiously counting down the days until they can pack their bags, leave their studies behind and focus on nothing but eating. For some, it is the first time seeing their whole family since the semester began, and whether they wish to admit it or not, they may actually be looking forward to the noisy and crowded atmosphere the holiday brings.
Students shared their adoration for the holiday as well as their expectations of what’s to come.
One Bonnie excited for the annual Thanksgiving Day meal and the seasonal mood is freshman Erin O’Rourke, a business major. She said she enjoys not only the large dinner, but also the many family traditions she treasures.
“I’m super excited for break,” O’Rourke said. “My family has this fun tradition that we do every year. We take turns going around the table saying what we are thankful for, but as we do this, we make ‘Thankful Butter.’”
As this is not a typical Thanksgiving tradition, O’Rourke explained what “Thankful Butter” is.
“We begin with thick cream. As we go around the table saying thanks, we take turns shaking the cream. By the time we have finished with everyone, the cream has become butter,” O’Rourke said. “It seems kind of silly, but it is a special bond my family shares.”
Freshman Amanda Saeli, a marketing major, is also awaiting the holidays. To Saeli, one of the best parts of Thanksgiving is getting to spend quality time with family and friends.
“Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I absolutely love the packed house and too much food,” Saeli said. “My entire extended family packs into my small home. We eat the big meal early in the afternoon, and then by evening, we’re already starting on the leftovers.”
Saeli said she is also looking forward to seeing some of her high school friends and hear how they are doing.
“I’m planning on making pies with some of my best friends the days before Thanksgiving,” she said. “I want to catch up on the gossip of what everyone has done since I saw them last.”
One event both O’Rourke and Saeli said they can’t wait for is the annual Black Friday shopping. Just like Thanksgiving, this is an event both girls cherish spending with their families.
“My aunt and I always hit the early Christmas sales,” Saeli said. “Last year, my mother came into the kitchen at the crack of dawn to find me gulping down leftovers from the day before. It was quite a funny sight.”
O’Rourke said Black Friday is an annual event in which she and the other girls in her family take part.
“I usually shop with my mom, my aunt and my sisters,” she said. “Last year, we went the night before and stood in line, which was so much fun. We all bought these silly Christmas pajamas and wore them on Christmas.”
Another thing both girls agree on is the idea of a break before finals. Because they are freshmen, they said it will be beneficial to have a chance to relax before hitting the books when they return.
“I’m nervous for finals,” O’Rourke said. “Having a chance to catch up on some sleep beforehand will be awesome. Thank goodness for Thanksgiving.”
