MVHS Foreigners Gear up for First Thanksgiving

By TRUE JARREL

Moapa Valley Progress

Thanksgiving is widely celebrated across America and deeply rooted in our culture, which makes imagining what it would be like without the holiday on the calendar somewhat odd. But because Thanksgiving is unique to our country, billions of people around the world have never experienced the holiday before.

At Moapa Valley High School, the new foreign exchange students decided to share their opinions on Thanksgiving and other wintertime celebrations as well as their hopes for the holiday feasts.

Foreign exchange student Lara Bingisser offered up her experiences with the holidays in her home country of Switzerland.

“We usually just celebrate Christmas and the New Year,” Bingisser commented. “We have salad, chicken, mashed potatoes, and rice. We always have someone make a big dessert; last year it was tiramisu!”

Marcus Novaa, who hails from Denmark, typically only celebrates Christmas and New Year’s as well.

“We normally eat roasted duck or goose, sweet boiled potatoes, and red cabbage,” Novaa commented.

He added that he loves American holidays. “I’m looking forward to being part of American culture, and I’m excited to try out the traditions; that’s one of the reasons why I came to America!”

At home in Germany, Florian Heider’s family “doesn’t really eat any traditional foods, since every family has their own little traditions, but we do usually eat fondue.”

When asked for his opinion on Thanksgiving, Heider commented, “I haven’t tried it yet, but I think it’s going to be good. I love festivities and celebrations, so I’m excited!”

Finally, Minju Gwak, who is visiting from South Korea, explained that her family normally only celebrates Christmas during the winter season. She added that they typically only get off from work on Christmas day, so the longer time off here is appreciated.

As for holiday foods, Gwak said, “In winter, we usually eat baked sweet potatoes and meat with kimchi (fermented vegetables). On Christmas day, we usually just eat cakes with the family.”

Gwak added, “I love American celebrations! I love American food! I’ve never tried turkey before, so I’m really excited to eat that!”

All in all, the foreign exchange students are definitely hyped up for the holiday season! Hopefully everyone, whether new to American traditions or not, will enjoy an array of foods and celebrations this winter season.

As for her thoughts on American celebrations, Bingisser said, “I think it’s cool that you guys have Thanksgiving! All the foods during that holiday and Christmas sound really good. I’m really looking forward to the pie!”