Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and it’s a perfect time to start reflecting on what’s most important for the holidays: the food! All jokes aside, food is a huge part of people’s traditions and cultures, so having opinions on them is a given.  Nearly 200 Washington-Liberty students were surveyed on their favorite thanksgiving foods, and the results are posted below. Students were also asked about their overall thoughts on thanksgiving foods and their personal Thanksgiving traditions. 

Although many have a sweet tooth, most students chose thanksgiving dinner over thanksgiving dessert; almost 70% prefer it!

Unfortunately for those in favor of eggnog, hot chocolate won this contest by the large margin of 92%.

Although both are popular seasonal drinks, apple cider takes the lead by almost 70%. 

In a race between two main courses, the traditional Thanksgiving turkey pulled ahead and won by over 75%!

Many people have strong opinions about veggies – including which is better! Green beans pulled ahead. 

After a large Thanksgiving meal, most students would consider themselves stuffed. However, rolls seem to be their preferred side.

Although many people describe the holidays as sweet, most people like their potatoes mashed. 

Despite some strong casserole advocates,  88% of students prefer mac and cheese.

Battle of the Sauces: Cranberry had the sweetest victory while the ship sailed for the gravy boat. 

Caramelized apples and carved pumpkins are both popular items of the holiday season, but when it comes to pies, only one can win. Wipe off that halloween grin, jack-o’-lanterns!

When comparing chocolate and pecan pies, students seem to go nuts for chocolate!

Sweet and sour is one way to describe both key lime and strawberry rhubarb pies, but maybe strawberry rhubarb was a bit too sour this year.

“You can’t catch me, I’m the gingerbread man!” Sorry, gingerbread! Sugar cookies caught up, winning with just over 65%.

In addition to the ‘this or that’ portion of the survey, students were asked about their overall opinions on thanksgiving. According to the survey results, the majority of respondents liked Thanksgiving food overall, with the exception of turkey. One survey respondent even referred to a turkey as a “just a fat chicken” and another complained that it made them “sleepy”. Overall, many of the students explained that they like thanksgiving food, if not for the taste, for the way that it brings people together.