HC Nottingham’s Thoughts on Thanksgiving

It’s time for another interview with our UK Sister Chapter… HC Nottingham! In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we asked them what they think of the American holiday – everything from the purpose of the holiday to what they think “Turducken” is. They even gave us a little history lesson on Guy Fawkes!

1. Do you have a Thanksgiving or an equivalent to Thanksgiving in the UK?

We don’t have a Thanksgiving in the UK – it’s a very American thing and we love the idea of it! I do remember when I was younger my school used to have a Harvest celebration around Thanksgiving time where we would all bring cans of food to a Church service. The cans would be given to poorer members of the community through charity services. So that might be a sort of similar idea, although it’s not a celebration particularly!

2. What is the first thing you think of when you hear the word “Thanksgiving”?

Literally ‘giving thanks’! I think our general understanding of it is that it is a day to be reflective and thankful for what you have in life. I think it’s one thing Britain could really use. I don’t feel we’re appreciative enough over here!

3. What is your idea of what a typical American Thanksgiving would be like?

I can imagine there’s lots of yummy food and everyone eats a ridiculous amount. You all get together with your family and close friends and sit around a table and say what you’re thankful for in your life.

4. What do you think the most popular Thanksgiving foods are?

TURKEY! Also, you have so many different types of pie in the US, it makes us jealous – pumpkin pie, sweet potato pie, pecan pie!

5. What do you think these words mean: “Turducken” “Tofurky” “Turkey Drop”

I have NO idea! As a guess… Turducken sounds likes a mix of Turkey, Duck and Chicken maybe? Tofurky might be Tofu/Turkey. Turkey Drop – is that some kind of game that you play involving Turkey?!

6. How many servings do you think it is acceptable to eat in one sitting?

This is an interesting question. It seems to imply that there is a tradition as to how much you can eat? I’m going to go with one because I know that there are so many yummy dishes, I don’t know how anyone could possibly need to have any more?!

7. Do you know what Black Friday is?

The only thing I can think of is that it might be like the Thanksgiving equivalent of Good Friday. So a day to prepare for Thanksgiving maybe?

8. Have you heard of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?

Definitely heard of it! Not sure if this is true, but I’ve heard there’s a giant turkey float! Parades aren’t really a big thing in England, but it sounds like something really cool to watch as a family, a bit like watching the Queen’s Speech in England at Christmas!

9. When is it “acceptable” for you to start celebrating Christmas in the UK? We usually wait until after Thanksgiving, but since you don’t celebrate Thanksgiving do you start getting in the holiday spirit earlier?

Every year without fail people complain about how early we start preparing for Christmas! Shops are already selling some Christmas foods and decorations, and card shops sell Christmas cards pretty much from summer on. I’d say the first Christmas songs start playing early December, sometimes the very end of November. It’s easy to feel bored of Christmas by the time it actually comes!

Homemade decorations in freshers halls!

10. You recently celebrated Guy Fawkes Day. Can you tell us a little more about that? What do university students typically do to celebrate?

Guy Fawkes day (A.K.A. Bonfire Night) is celebrated on the 5th of November. It might seem like a weird thing to celebrate, but it’s basically to commemorate the attempted blowing up of Parliament in 1605 by a man named Guy Fawkes and some other people who were against the King. We celebrate because the King at the time ordered that every year people should have a bonfire to mark the fact that he survived!

Typically, in the evening people gather with friends and family or go to a local fair, where there will be a firework display and a big bonfire, which will have a Guy (as in Guy Fawkes) on it. This is a handmade scarecrow-like thing, which is burned on the bonfire. It sounds a bit dark, but it’s actually good fun and often kids will get involved with helping to make the Guy and put it on the bonfire! In Nottingham, there’s a big fair with lots of rides and a firework display.

Bonfire Night Fair

• BC Thanksgiving