After Halloween ends, there are two special holidays that follow: Thanksgiving and Christmas. These two holidays bring families together and make everyone find something they are thankful for. People are brought together when siblings come home from college or extended family comes into town to visit. There are a lot of different things that ACHS students are grateful for at this time of year.

For senior Sydney Kraus family is the most important part of these holidays.

“I love when my cousins come home from college because it is so much fun to catch up, it always feels like we have never been apart as long as we have,” Kraus said. “I get so excited to see my family because I love hearing and telling stories! My family lives close so we see each other a lot, but I miss when they aren’t here. It is such a great feeling to be with the people you love and who love you too.”

Senior Megan Nielsen feels similar to Kraus where family is involved. She believes that these holidays are the perfect excuse to get everyone in the same house.

“I absolutely love seeing everyone in the same house, because dinner brings everyone together. Especially since phones are not allowed at the table so everyone sits at the same table and talks,” Nielsen said. “I get excited to see my sister when she comes home from school, too, even though she can annoy me.”

These holidays also bring people together because they are centered around food and family. Food has a tendency to bring people together because families can prepare the meals together and share them. Holidays are a great time to build and share memories every year.