The first Thanksgiving, 391 years ago, is the base of our modern holiday, but current celebrations have little resemblance of that first feast.

Over time, many different traditions have developed. You can see turkey, lasagna, tamales and even tofurkey sitting in the middle of a Thanksgiving spread.

“Our desserts are unusual, but our main courses are normal,” said senior Laurel Fitts.

Each family develops their own traditions for Thanksgiving, making it a unique experience from family to family.

While some embrace their Hispanic heritage with tamales, others go meat free replacing the iconic turkey with tofurkey. Then there are those with allergies, who have to do without nuts or strawberries.

“I look forward to my grandmother’s homemade tamales all year-long,” said senior Ovidio Gonzalez.

The exact time of the big meal ranges all over with families trying to accommodate work plans and long drives.

Some families start eating as early as eleven, while others do not start until eight p.m. or so; trying let those who have to work make it.

“We have lupper [lunch and supper], where eating starts around one and continues throughout the night,” said Wilkins.

For Thanksgiving, families across the country pack up in to cars and hop on planes to go see distant relatives.

Some families rotate houses so no one person has to shoulder the burden, while others gather around the same table every year.

“Sometimes it’s at our house, but we go to my aunts every few years,” said Fitts.

After the big meal is over and the dishes are soaking, many families head out to stake a spot in lines for black friday sales.

What started as small day of good deals has morphed into an event that starts at midnight and has people plowing over each other to get the best deal on the newest items.

“Black friday shopping with my grandma, cousins and aunts is one of my family’s yearly traditions,” said senior Audrey Wilkins.

All these traditions combine to create a warm and cozy kind of holiday, where people reconnect with family and enjoy a good meal.

The idea of being thankful permeates this holiday and people tend to take away a new appreciation for family and friends.

“Reconnecting with family, that I have not seen in a while, is what I really take away from Thanksgiving,” said Gonzalez.

Thanksgivings origins and the idea behind it tends to make people think more and be more appreciative.

“I think we should give thanks every day and just have one day to grumble,” said Fitts.

All these different traditions combine, to create a wonderful holiday, that is unique for each person.