BY JORDYN FORTE
After spending the past year-and-a-half living in a world ravaged by COVID-19, this holiday season feels particularly special to many.
And, with a new normal finally in sight, a number of people will likely resume traditions that they were not able to enjoy last year.
In fact, a new Monmouth University poll found that approximately 63 percent of Americans will celebrate Thanksgiving with the same number of people as they did in pre-pandemic times.
“To me, Thanksgiving is really just a day to be with family and to be thankful,” senior Leah Kelly said, “and, after missing the holidays last year, I am especially looking forward to seeing family members who don’t live close by for the first time in a while.”
Like Kelly, junior Rob Murphy said he also believes Thanksgiving is a time to enjoy with extended family.
“Since we went without a family gathering last year during the height of the pandemic, we are all eager to get together,” Murphy said.
Junior Rachel Galatis, who looks forward to going to her grandparents’ house where she and her family members will enjoy an early dinner, watch football, play games, and indulge in an assortment of pies, expressed similar sentiments.
“For me, Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family and those we care about to appreciate the lives we have been given,” Galatis said, “and this year, I am grateful for living a healthy life, for my friends and family, and for the gift of an education.”
Like Kelly and Galatis, junior Nathan Brown is also eager to enjoy being with his family on the upcoming holiday.
In particular, Brown said that he is grateful for the health of his brother and his mother.
Similar to the others, sophomore Isabelle Pioli is excited to spend time appreciating her life while feasting on a delicious meal alongside her loved ones.
“I am grateful for too many things to count, as there is a lot that I tend to take for granted, such as good health and a caring family,” Pioli said. “We all have parts of our lives that we struggle with, but there will always be underlying goodness in the life that we have, and I am thankful for what I do have in this lifetime.”