It’s that time of year for holiday celebrations.Thanksgiving is approaching and families are preparing for their traditions.

Thanksgiving is on the fourth Thursday of November every year. This year, Thanksgiving break starts on Nov. 21 and English teacher Lauren Chiodo said she is excited for the five day break.

“My favorite thing about Thanksgiving is getting some time off of school and seeing my family,” Chiodo said. “We go around the table while we’re eating and say what things we’re thankful for that year. I’ve done it every year since I was a kid; I almost always cry.”

Families are planning road trips or some are staying home for the holiday, but most are preparing for the Thanksgiving dinner. Chiodo, who will be traveling to Oklahoma, said she is excited to eat her favorite Thanksgiving foods, such as corn casserole and pumpkin dump cake.

¨There’s this really good corn casserole that I make – it’s cornbread, creamed and whole corn, butter, and sour cream,¨ Chiodo said. ¨My mom and sister-in-law also make this really good pumpkin dump cake – it’s like pumpkin pie but you can make it with gluten free cake mix so then I can have it.  Most of the other stuff I can’t have because it has gluten.¨

Chiodo prepares for the holidays by buying and wrapping gifts early because of her busy schedule and long distance with her family. She’s spending Thanksgiving with her brother and in-law’s but wishes she could be with her parents too.

¨I’d love to see my parents this Thanksgiving but they’re going to Michigan to see my grandparents,¨ Chiodo said. ¨I am most thankful for my friends and family that support me.¨

Not only do people look forward to being with family and eating delicious food but black Friday is a must for some families. Senior Zihao Lu said he enjoys Black Friday.

¨My Thanksgiving traditions are eating turkey, Black Friday shopping, watching football and eating more food,¨ Lu said. ¨My favorite thing about Thanksgiving is the family reunion.¨

Lu made his Thanksgiving traditions after his move from China. He said his family is planning to go to Las Vegas to relax and eat a lot of food.

¨My favorite thing to do during the holidays is to relax with the family,¨ Lu said. ¨I am most thankful for my mom who makes all these great memories happen.¨