On Thursday, Nov. 26, Thanksgiving dinner took place in homes across America. This year, many at CHS ensued changes in tradition in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19.

The New Jersey Department of Health issued a variety of recommendations for keeping this holiday safe, which included limiting gatherings to be as small as possible, quarantining for fourteen days before, and issuing social distancing at these in-home gatherings. The state also limited indoor gatherings to 10 people, which became effective on Nov. 17

Typically, these festive times are characterized by extensive family gatherings. This year, that was not the case.

Junior Quinn Hoagland of Colts Neck said that although she was unable to see her extended family, she still made the most of the Holiday.  

“My parents and siblings and I watch the [Thanksgiving Day] Parade and eat cinnamon rolls. My parents cook and then we go eat with my whole family,” said Hoagland. “This year was pretty different because of COVID, but it was still really great.”

Sophomore Skyler Glusman of Middletown also celebrated an atypical Thanksgiving. 

“I usually get to see my Mom’s side of the family but this was the first year I’ve never not celebrated with my Grandparents,” Glusman said.

For some, such as senior Matt Sherwin of Middletown, plans did not change and all holiday traditions were the same as they were in the years prior.

“My plans didn’t change, I went to my grandma’s house on Thanksgiving day and saw my aunts, uncles, and cousins and then spent the weekend with friends,” Sherwin said.

Though the circumstances of this year made for a unique holiday season, students enjoyed whatever traditions were possible to make for a joyous Thanksgiving.