Have you wondered what people and restaurants do on Thanksgiving in Orange County? More specifically, Irvine where I live.

People in Irvine have different perspectives on Thanksgiving, some of them think it’s boring, others would bagging for the day to come sooner. I did an interview with four people about what they think of Thanksgiving and if they actually do like it. Grace doesn’t celebrate Thanksgiving because her family doesn’t have this kind of heritage, she said that it’s not a Korean tradition. This is interesting because she said that she does celebrate Halloween and Christmas, then why not Thanksgiving? It is a well-known holiday too. I think that this is because Thanksgiving is more of an American tradition, so people that have a different background might not know the history and the purpose behind it. Mr. Mewhirter on the other side has a different story. He said that Thanksgiving is one of his top favorite holidays. He gets to cook food for his friend and family, such as baking turkey, making sweet potatoes and mashed potatoes. After the preparation, he gets to enjoy the food with his friends and family. Park celebrates Thanksgiving too just like Mr. Mewhirter but because of totally different reasons. He feels like Thanksgiving is not that serious, because it’s a time when you can just sit back and relax. He also feels that unlike other holidays, Thanksgiving doesn’t require financially. He said that on Halloween you have to wear costumes, which you will have to buy and also on Christmas you have to give people presents which require money also. Last but not least, Terry thinks that Thanksgiving is boring because he doesn’t get presents and it’s not fun to celebrate. Overall, just from interviewing four people they all have their own opinion on why they celebrate Thanksgiving and why they don’t celebrate Thanksgiving. I can understand where all of them are coming from.

Irvine restaurants are having their best time too on Thanksgiving, a lot of customers try out their food and almost all of them gave them a five stars review. I restaurant that I personally love, Ironwood Cellar Craft Cook. Last year I remember on Thanksgiving in front of the restaurant, it was packed with people. One of the five stars reviews was “What an experience. Came in here for a work event on a Wednesday. The place was packed, standing room only at the tiny bar they have tucked away, but a great vibe and service out of the gate. The service, food and wine suggestions were impeccable. I had the swordfish special for $31. Bang on. Cooked perfectly on a bed of beans, corn, and vegetables. I almost licked the plate, but there was an older dude uncomfortably staring at me so I decided against it. Colleagues had the ribeye, schnitzel, pork cheek special and giant meatball. Not a single complaint, just 6 guys, awkwardly silent at dinner, enjoying a meal.” Ryan P.

A lot of things can happen on Thanksgiving from people to place however we can all agree on one thing, that is why we celebrate Thanksgiving in the first place. Appreciation.

<Allen Liu/ Portola HS 10th>