For many, Thanksgiving is not only a holiday dedicated to food, family and friends, but a time of inward reflection and a reminder of the many things in life for which one is thankful.
With that in mind, the Budgeteer took to the streets to find out what Duluthians are thankful for and what Thanksgiving dish is their favorite.
Most of the Duluthians interviewed mentioned their friends and family as their main sources of thankfulness.
"I'd have to say I'm thankful for my family and friends," said Sarah Miller as she waited for the bus on Superior St.
"I'm thankful for my family because they help me, support me and love me for who I am," said Rian Coleman.
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"I have the opportunity to be a parent again. This is my fourth time around and we're finally having a baby girl, so that's new. She's due in March. So we're doing all the worrying and preparing. That is what I'm definitely thankful for," said Alan Lilliberg.
Lilliberg was waiting to catch a bus home outside the Holiday Center. He said his favorite part of the Thanksgiving meal is the "sparkling juices."
"I like apple or grape to go with the meal. It started when my uncle would buy them for us for New Year's, but now I like to have them on Thanksgiving too," Lilliberg said.
Family is on Clean and Safe Team member Scott's mind as well as he prepares for the big upcoming Thanksgiving dinner.
"According to my brother-in-law, there's got to be ham and my mom says we have to do turkey because it's tradition. So we end up doing ham and turkey on both Thanksgiving and Christmas. And my brother-in-law has to get the biggest ham and my mother has to get the biggest turkey and it's a little crazy. And every year it's too much food," Scott said.
However, Scott said he does enjoy the leftover meals.
"I love the leftovers because you can stretch those out. I won't throw any of it away. I'll have ham or turkey sandwiches for another week and a half and freeze more of it," Scott said.
Scott is also one of several Duluthians, like Vannessa Springer, who said they are thankful for life.
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"I'm thankful for everyday that God gives me life. I wake up in the morning and I have my health, my family and most importantly, I have God and his wonderful word for my guidance and direction in life," Springer said.
Springer said she doesn't really celebrate Thanksgiving because she prefers to be thankful every day. This coming Thursday, she plans to have fish or seafood rather than turkey.
Ryan Brown is also thankful for life.
"I'm thankful just to be living. Just to be here is great," Brown said.
Other Duluthians are more specific with their thankfulness.
"I'm thankful for the bus system because it takes me from point A to point B," said Tish Baptiste as she waited for her bus inside the DTA Transit Center.
"I'm thankful for the Avalon Learning Institute. They've helped me through some tough times. I don't know where I'd be without them. They give me the motivation to help complete my education," said Devin Welch.
If you are preparing for the traditional Thanksgiving meal, be sure you don't skip the potatoes. Half of those interviewed said that their favorite part of the meal is the mashed potatoes and gravy.
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