Warm turkey just off the bone, cranberry sauce from a canned tin, and corn pudding in a white porcelain dish remind us of Thanksgiving dinner. These dishes bring us back to our childhood and the years that we have spent being surrounded by family and friends for the joyous occasion. 

In honor of these good memories our families create for us during the holidays, college students should offer to help their parents prepare the Thanksgiving meal. 

The preparation of the meal is just as enjoyable as the meal itself. There are many things to learn from your parents, and this is the perfect opportunity to unite over a shared tradition. You will remember more of Thanksgiving if you set aside time to be involved in the process. 

One of the first times I made pumpkin pie, the crust got burned. My older sister had the nerve to confirm my observation with a cynical remark, “You burned the crust.” My mom scolded her for doing so and told her it was okay because this was my first time. The vivid image is burned in my memory. Baking is a learning process. 

The preparation of food is a lot of work, and many parents appreciate it if their children offer to help. Food preparation is one of the best ways to help because there are many different family recipes to learn. 

Your mom’s apple pie is special because she adds just the perfect amount of sugar. One day she won’t be able to make pie for you anymore, however sad this may be. You can take this opportunity to learn her special tips and tricks which will never be written down unless you take the time to do so. 

Helping in the kitchen is such a wonderful way to connect with parents because you can bond in a unique way. From peeling the hand-picked apples from the orchard down the road to mashing potatoes over the stove, each moment is an opportunity to connect. You can ask them about what they did with their parents on Thanksgiving, and they can let you vent about how hard your classes are at college. These conversations come a lot easier when you are doing an activity instead of just sitting on the couch together. 

There are many different steps that go into making the meal that you might not have thought about before. They decide whom to invite, what to make, where to go for ingredients, and how to clean up the messy house. All of this takes a lot of effort, and it is easy for something to go wrong. One day you will use what you have learned to host family and friends. 

Some parents might say they do not want their kids in the kitchen. This is understandable, but you should still offer to help. 

For students who might not have good relationships with their parents, something like cooking together could seem quite daunting. You might give each other a chance by communing around the festive holiday spirit. Thanksgiving should be a time when you can be thankful for the things that you have and not only be thinking about how distance grows between you. 

Food brings people together. Memories are more vivid when they involve action, and this Thanksgiving season can be one you will never forget.