By Claire R., Marketing & Communications Intern
HEPL’s Marketing team has partnered with the HSE High School Southeastern Media Network’s externship class. Below, one our interns shares her warm memories of Thanksgiving through the years and some of her top picks for what to read and watch this Thanksgiving season.
As a high school student, I’m an avid reader and love any book or movie that gets me in the holiday spirit. Growing up, my family always celebrated Thanksgiving big. We knew we were lucky enough to be able to have our meal all together and be in our warm house. My family took Thanksgiving as a day of giving back. My brothers and I would spend the night with our grandma the night before Thanksgiving, and on the morning of, we would deliver meals to those who might not be able to get out of the house or cook for their family. When I was little, my family would go downtown to McDonald’s and get cheeseburgers to give to the homeless. It’s these memories that make Thanksgiving one of my favorite holidays. Because of the way I grew up, I have a passion for making the world a better place, even by doing something as simple as buying a cheeseburger for someone else.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (All ages)
This holiday special is well known to all Americans, however I thought because of its nostalgic holiday feeling it deserved a spot on this list. With an assortment of performances, floats, and other fun surprises, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a great choice when preparing for your Thanksgiving Day meal.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (All ages)
The Charlie Brown Thanksgiving special has been around since the 70s, but it is such a classic that it’s always a good watch for families. This story follows the well-recognized Charlie Brown characters on Thanksgiving Day. When Peppermint Patty invites herself and others to Charlie Brown’s house for Thanksgiving, it’s up to Charlie to make a Thanksgiving dinner for him and the rest of the gang.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spookley the Square Pumpkin (Children)
Spookley the Square Pumpkin is not only a book but also was adapted into a 30-minute children’s movie. This story follows a square-shaped pumpkin who is teased by the other round pumpkins in the patch for being different. It isn’t until a storm comes that Spookley’s shape allows him to save the day. The story shows how being different can be special and valuable.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
There Was an Old Lady who Swallowed Some Leaves by Lucille Colandro (Children)
This Scholastic children’s book series is back for fall, when the old lady swallows items such as a pile of leaves, shirts, and a pumpkin. The plot builds up to when she sneezes revealing a fall-themed friend at the end.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Friends: “The One with All the Thanksgivings” – Season 5 (PG-13)
The show we all know and love is back for a Thanksgiving special. While the sitcom has many Thanksgiving episodes, this one is my favorite. Some might remember this one as the one where Monica gets a turkey stuck on her head.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spirited (PG-13)
Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds star in this 2022 Christmas film. When the Ghost of Christmas Present picks the wrong person to reform, he ends up rethinking his own past, present, and future. This musical comedy is worth a family movie night.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hallmark Channel (PG)
I had to put the Hallmark Channel on this list. I know it’s not one official holiday movie, but the channel in general is great for getting you in the holiday spirit. The channel is rated PG, so feel free to cuddle up with the family or watch on your own.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
About the Author
My name is Claire Robertson. I’m a senior at Hamilton Southeastern High School. I am currently working with the Hamilton East Public Library through Southeastern Media Network’s externship class. I have been writing for many years now as both a hobby and for my media classes. Next year, I plan to study Public Relations in college with a focus in entertainment and social media.