As the fall semester winds down at Southern Nazarene University, students and faculty are preparing to pause from busy schedules and celebrate Thanksgiving, a time for reflection, laughter and gratitude for the blessings of another year.
For many, Thanksgiving is a season that blends faith, family and simple joys. Whether through old traditions or new ones, members of the SNU community find unique ways to honor the holiday.
Junior Abigail Shreffler, an environmental science major, described her family’s celebration as both lighthearted and meaningful. “We like watching the Macy’s Day Parade, that is the obvious one, and then eating together and sharing gratitude,” she said. Her family often takes turns expressing what they are thankful for, something she finds especially uplifting. “Weirdly, we like watching the dog show after the parade,” she said with a laugh. “It is because of that dog show that we were inspired to get two of the dogs we have now.”
For Aubrey Bailey Toler, a junior psychology major from Fort Worth, Texas, Thanksgiving means gathering in the kitchen surrounded by family. “One of my favorite traditions is helping my mom and siblings prepare for Thanksgiving,” she explained. “We also do a Friendsgiving every year, which I always look forward to.”
Her family adds a Cajun twist to their meal with what she called the best dish they make, Cajun turkey stuffing. Between laughs, Toler recalled how her sister insists on canned cranberry sauce each year. “No one else eats it, but we always make it for her,” she joked. “It is all out of love.”
For SNU faculty and staff, the day carries a similar focus on gratitude and connection. Katy Bradley, dean of students and associate vice president for student life, reflected on how her family uses Thanksgiving as a time to slow down. “We enjoy brunch together while watching the parade, playing games and putting up our final Christmas decorations,” Bradley said.
Her family’s table often expands to include others. “Many years, we have students who are unable to go home, and neighbors who have family far away join us,” she explained. Recently, the Bradleys started a new tradition, a gratitude pumpkin. “We each write something we are thankful for on it,” Bradley said. “It has led to sweet conversations and reminds us of God’s blessings, both big and small.”
Professor Emily Stanfill, assistant director of bands and clarinet instructor, said her favorite part of Thanksgiving is simply being together. “We try to be intentional with our time,” she explained. After the holiday, her family hosts what she calls a Grinch party, complete with pajamas, punch and the classic movie. “It is a fun way to kick off the holidays,” she added.
For Cyndi Lackey, adjunct professor of English, Thanksgiving is rooted in faith and gratitude. “Our faith is the foundation of our family,” Lackey said. “We pray before dinner and thank the Lord for His faithfulness.” One memory still makes her smile. “The Thanksgiving when our youngest son proposed to his girlfriend, she was so surprised. It was a joy-filled day.”
From Friendsgivings to green bean casseroles, from gratitude pumpkins to family prayers, Thanksgiving across the SNU community carries a common theme, a deep appreciation for God’s goodness and the people who make every meal worth celebrating.