International students share how they spend Thanksgiving break

By Paige Martin

As Thanksgiving break approaches, Stonehill’s international students are finding ways to celebrate a holiday many of them did not observe growing up.  

While the meaning of Thanksgiving varies among students, many use the break as a chance to reconnect with family, rest, and experience an American tradition. 

Anneliese Beltran, a senior from Mexico, shared her plans for the upcoming break. 

“My plans for Thanksgiving break are to meet my family in Texas and spend the holiday together,” Beltran said. 

Julie Holte, a senior from Norway, is using this Thanksgiving break to travel. 

“This year I’m actually traveling to London to visit my sister with my family and explore the city a bit. I’m excited to experience something completely different during the break,” Holte said. 

Phoena Dadson, a sophomore from Ghana, expressed similar plans to spend time with family. 

“I plan to go see my family in D.C. for the break,” Dadson said. 

Holte agreed that the break provides a much-needed opportunity to recharge and see friends.  

“I usually take the chance to travel or spend time with friends since I’m far from home. Breaks are a nice opportunity to recharge and explore new places,” Holte said. 

However, unlike many American students, Dadson noted that the holiday still feels unfamiliar. 

“To be honest, Thanksgiving doesn’t really mean anything to me. We never celebrated or even heard of this holiday until I came to the United States,” Dadson said. 

Although Thanksgiving is not traditionally celebrated in Mexico, Beltran said that she has embraced the holiday and developed new traditions with her family. 

“Every Thanksgiving break I’ve spent with my family, either in Texas or by traveling to a new city in the U.S. It’s also our tradition to do a turkey trot every year,” Beltran said. 

Holte uses the break to reflect on the meaning of the holiday. 

“For me, Thanksgiving is about slowing down and appreciating the people and opportunities in my life,” Holte said. 

For Dadson, the break is a chance to relax and enjoy hobbies she usually doesn’t have time for. 

“I don’t do anything particularly special. I like to cook, so I usually cook with my family, and then I just sleep and work out,” Dadson said. 

Beltran said through the traditions she has shared with her family, she has grown to appreciate the spirit of Thanksgiving. 

“Thanksgiving means being thankful for every moment we get to spend with our loved ones. I love that we can do things together, like running a 5K on Thanksgiving morning,” Beltran said.  

Holte expressed admiration for what the holiday represents. 

“I love how the whole holiday revolves around gratitude and togetherness. It’s also interesting to experience the traditions and food from an American perspective,” Holte said.  

All three students noted that while their home countries do not have a holiday directly equivalent to Thanksgiving, Christmas is the closest cultural comparison. 

“There isn’t a holiday exactly like Thanksgiving in Mexico, but our Christmas dinner has the same feeling,” Beltran said. “Everyone makes time to come together from work and school, and it’s just as meaningful,” she said.  

When asked what they are most thankful for this year, students expressed gratitude for the support of friends and family. 

“I’m most thankful for the support of my family,” Dadson said. 

Holte shared similar sentiments. 

“This year I’m especially thankful for the chance to study abroad and meet so many new people. I’ve grown a lot and feel grateful for all the support around me,” she said.  

For Beltran, the holiday is a moment to pause and appreciate the relationships that have shaped her year. 

“I’m most thankful for being healthy and being able to get together with my parents and sisters every year. I’m also grateful for the friendships I’ve made this year and for the people Stonehill has brought into my life,” she said.