Contrary to  popular opinion, Thanksgiving in the United States is not just turkey, gravy and stuffing. As of 2023, 88% of Americans eat turkey on Thanksgiving. That shows that even though turkey is  popular, many Thanksgiving celebrators opt for something different. This poses the question: What do non-turkey-eaters eat for Thanksgiving? What is the story behind that choice? It also brings up the idea that while Thanksgiving has many classic foods, the real meaning of the holiday is shown in having a special meal with loved ones. Students from the school were interviewed to explore different types of Thanksgiving.

Anisha Veeraraghavan, a freshman at the school, talked about how she celebrates the holiday and what Thanksgiving means to her. Instead of a turkey, her mom makes a substitute showstopper dish. 

“She makes this thing, it’s like a [vegetarian] pot pie, but it has a lattice top, and then she makes little leaf decorations that she puts on the top,” Veeraraghavan said. “I don’t eat turkey because I’m vegetarian.”

While turkey is not an option for them, Veeraraghavan’s family still embraces the classic fall flavors of Thanksgiving. To any other vegetarians out there looking for options, pot pie could be the way to go. 

Veeraraghavan was also asked how long this tradition has lasted in her family.

 “We’ve just been kind of doing it forever,” Veeraraghavan said. Thanksgiving traditions fit different family needs and create new ways to celebrate beyond the turkey.  

Thanksgiving is a meaningful holiday to her. 

“It’s just like a really fun time when I get to see my family and friends,” Veeraraghavan said. 

 Foods are the connection that help people  bond over and help define the holiday, but when searching for the meaning of Thanksgiving, having a special meal with loved ones eating any food is something to be grateful for. 

Nico Loustaunau, a freshman at the school, talked about how he celebrates Thanksgiving as he is half-French. While he does not eat the classic turkey, he usually eats a different bird. Last year, his family ate duck. 

Loustaunau was asked to describe his classic Thanksgiving meal. 

 “We’ll just have a bird, we’ll have mashed potatoes and some green beans. We’ll have kind of an average Thanksgiving dinner, and then replace a couple things,” Loustaunau said. 

There is no defined Thanksgiving meal and there are many variants of Thanksgiving meals. Loustaunau has a French family he meets up with to celebrate this holiday, and he honors his culture by eating a different bird each year. 

Veeraraghavan and Loustaunau eat their cultural food for Thanksgiving, and they celebrate with their family. 

This holiday is not about what you eat, but who you share the company with. It is about coming together. The true meaning behind Thanksgiving is spending time with your loved ones, not about what you eat. 

“I love the food and all the family.” Veeraraghavan said.