BYU NewsNet - The Traditional Thanksgiving

Click the link below to hear BYU student talk about their Thanksgiving traditions

There are certain givens in student life. Increased intake of macaroni and cheese. Decreased amounts of sleep. Extended hours spent in a library. Time spent away from families. And, for many BYU students, spending holidays away from home.

For whatever reason, many BYU students spend the Thanksgiving holiday at school. Some, like Brannen Winn, have work schedules that won't allow for travel. Winn, a 25-year-old from Moyie Springs, Idaho majoring in exercise science, has to work the days before and after Thanksgiving and won't have time to make the 14 to 15 hour drive home. The distance hasn't kept Winn from making alternate holiday plans.

"I have friends down here I might go with and I have friends who might drive home to Southern Idaho," he said. "I have options. They're pretty much family. I grew up with them."

In spite of being able to spend the holiday with those who feel like family, Winn said it is being with the people you love most that make for the ideal Thanksgiving. His ideal day would be, as he put it, "the standard answer."

"One, you want to be with your family," he said. Then, you want to eat as much as you can and relax."

Vanessa Johnston, a 21-year-old married student from Modesto, Calif., is spending her first Thanksgiving away from her own family to spend the holiday with her husband's family in Saratoga Springs. Johnston is staying here to begin her own family tradition and to spend more time with her in-laws.

While she said she is looking forward to green bean casserole, she is also looking forward to spending time with her nieces and nephews. She said these things are some of the best parts of Thanksgiving.

"That's what matters most," Johnston said. "Food and family."

Michael Corrigan, a senior from Naperville, Ill., majoring in broadcast journalism, opted to stay in town considering the closeness of Christmas break. He said football, in addition to food, is also a Thanksgiving necessity.

"My favorite Thanksgiving activities have to be having seconds and thirds, watching football and falling asleep on the couch after that third piece of pie," he said.

Corrigan isn't the only one combining these activities. Regardless of location, there are certain things that have become staples in the Thanksgiving holiday for many students.

In addition to the requisite turkey dinner, an informal poll showed that 30 percent of students include football in their day and 28 percent watch movies. Sleeping and game-playing were next in popularity with 14 percent each. Ten percent of those polled also listed other activities such as mapping out Black Friday shopping strategies and sharing what they are grateful for with family and friends.

For students staying in town, many local bishops, including Bishop Darryl Pranger of the BYU 65th Ward, open their home to student members of their congregation.

Pranger said he and his wife have offered their home to students for the last two years, but have yet to have anyone take them up on the offer. He said while most students find friends to go with, they are usually more than welcome at the home of their bishop.

"Sometimes a lot of kids just don't want to be an imposition to people, but what they need to realize is that most bishops would be more than willing to open his home up at to them at any time," Pranger said.

Many local restaurants, including Magleby's Grill and Oyster Bar, located in the Riverwoods Shopping Center, also provide Thanksgiving food fare by way of a special Thanksgiving menu.

Alex Grow, a BYU senior majoring in economics who has served at Magleby's for three years, said the restaurant offers a Thanksgiving menu for those who may want a break from the stress of meal preparation

"It is a day that people choose to celebrate by enjoying a meal and that can take a lot of effort and so Magleby's puts on a meal for people looking to have a relaxing holiday," he said.

Grow said Magleby's Thanksgiving Day menu is similar to a brunch that is served as a buffet and provides a full range of food options.

"We offer fresh roasted turkey, prime rib, smoked salmon, homemade dressing, mashed potatoes, Magleby's breakfast items, snow crab clusters and an array of our homemade desserts," he said.

Prices are $23.99 for ages 10 and up, $14.99 for ages six and up and no charge for age five and under.

The following restaurants also offer Thanksgiving menus

Allie's American Grill, 101 W. 100 North, Provo, reservations recommended

Mimi's Cafe, 304 E. University Pkwy., Orem, reservations required

Magleby's Grill, 4801 N. University Ave. #110, Provo, reservations required

Foundry Grill at Sundance, reservations required