When Thanksgiving rolls around, everyone thinks about the settlers, the Native Americans, and the turkey, but don’t forget family. Enjoying the presence of family and being thankful for them is one of the best parts of this national holiday. One teacher in particular, Michelle Hansen, has the company of her family, and one extra addition to this year’s annual Thanksgiving feast.

Michelle Hansen, a Calculus teacher here at DBHS, for the most part, celebrates Thanksgiving like any typical American. She shops the weekend before for all the necessary ingredients for the big day and makes some dishes the night before. Cooking is a family event that consists of her husband making the turkey and two of her daughters helping out with the pumpkin pies. A full meal of turkey (even though her children hate it) homemade cranberry sauce, cream corn, mashed potatoes, gravy, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, rolls, pumpkin pie, anything you can you think of, they make it. However, for the Hansens, they just don’t feel complete without extending out this lovely feast to those who may not have any one to share the festivities of this time of year with.

Whether it’s family or friends, the Hansens always “open [their] house up to anyone who doesn’t have a place to go.” Thanksgiving, Christmas, you name it. The Hansens have a family friend who doesn’t really have a place to go during the holidays, so they have always welcomed her with open arms to their house so she can feel like a part of the family.

No one should have to sit in a room by themselves during the happiest days of the year. Extending that warm welcome can really make all the difference. Whether it’s visiting senior citizens at the nursing home or inviting a lonely neighbor for a holiday meal, utilize this time to show genuine kindness and hospitality.