The Daily's Features Department ran an article yesterday that dissected the nutritional makeup of the Thanksgiving turkey and its culinary sidekicks.
Besides eliciting a few sneers from readers who could not care less about the fat content of their gravy or the sugar in their cranberry sauce, the article likely produced images of good food, warm homes and smiling family and friends in the minds of Tufts students anxious for a break from the daily grind on the Hill.
Students will flock to Logan and South Station to catch planes and trains to family and friends today and tomorrow morning, and even those who are staying on campus during the break will confirm plans with friends in the area.
As Thanksgiving approaches, the Daily would like to encourage the Tufts community to enjoy the holiday. Thanksgiving is a day to be well-fed, content and comfortable. Many students have anticipated this break since midterms and view it as an important chance to relax before the final push at the end of the semester.
As corny and clichéd as it sounds, though, Thanksgiving is also a day to give thanks.
Students should take giving thanks seriously and use the day as an opportunity to acknowledge the value of the people and opportunities they have.
And while it may not be surprising, the Daily recommends that students consider those less fortunate than themselves as they sneak an extra sliver of pumpkin pie.
As they go for that second helping of stuffing or simply lie on the couch doing nothing, students should keep those less fortunate than themselves in their thoughts. Acknowledgement of their own fortune is by no means an extravagant achievement, but it is a sign of good faith and conscience, and the Daily understands that fatigued students might want to chill out on the couch and not head out into the community.
There will, however, be students and others who go beyond consideration of those in need and do take action to help them this Thanksgiving, whether it be in organizing food drives, serving meals at soup kitchens, or providing company to lonely senior citizens. We support these good Samaritans and encourage them to approach their work with enthusiasm.
But we do realize that Thanksgiving break is a break. Students worn out from grueling studies may choose to refuel energy stores rather than head out into the community.
All that we ask is that all students, if they make that extra effort or not this Thanksgiving, use their time away from class to reflect on their values and remember those in need.
