As autumn settles softly over the Czech countryside, the campus of Cumorah Academy begins preparing for the warmth and reflection that come with the fall season. While Thanksgiving is not traditionally celebrated in this part of the world, something beautiful happens here every November: students from many countries gather to express gratitude, share traditions from home, and celebrate the joy of community.
Thanksgiving at Cumorah Academy is less about turkey and pumpkin pie and more about pausing to appreciate the opportunities we have, the people who guide us, and the growth we experience together.
And this year, more than ever, we want to say:
This Thanksgiving, we give thanks for you.
Global Gratitude Traditions That Inspire Us
While Thanksgiving is most recognized in the United States and Canada, the spirit behind it—gratitude, unity, reflection—is universal. Around our campus, students introduce us to their own global gratitude traditions, and the result is a beautiful mix of cultures that celebrate connection, harvest, blessings, and service.
Japan — Tsukimi (Moon-Viewing Festival)
In Japan, families gather during autumn to admire the full moon, offering rice dumplings and seasonal foods. It is a moment of reflection, harvest, and quiet thankfulness. Much like Thanksgiving, this gentle celebration reminds us to slow down, breathe, and appreciate the season of change—values deeply aligned with our global gratitude traditions on campus.
Germany — Erntedankfest (Harvest Thanksgiving Festival)
Communities across Germany celebrate Erntedankfest to give thanks for harvest and blessings. Churches glow with colors of fruits, grains, and vegetables, symbolizing abundance. Music, worship, and feasting bring families and neighbors together—echoing the communal spirit we cultivate at Cumorah Academy.
Ghana — Homowo (Hooting at Hunger Festival)
In Ghana, the Ga people celebrate overcoming famine with food, dance, drumming, and vibrant family gatherings. The phrase “hooting at hunger” expresses victory over hardship. This celebration teaches that gratitude is deepest when we remember how far we’ve come—a truth we feel strongly in our student body as we support each other through challenges.
Korea — Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day)
During Chuseok, Korean families honor ancestors, share rice cakes, and celebrate heritage and harvest. It is a moment to recognize the gifts of generations before us. Storytelling, family unity, and gratitude blend into one beautiful holiday—reminding us that our journey is built on the efforts of others.
Perú — Fiesta de la Cosecha (Harvest Festival)
In Andean communities, families gather to celebrate food, agriculture, and Pachamama (Mother Earth). With dance, music, and heartfelt blessings, they express gratitude for work, land, and community. This celebration mirrors our belief that service, humility, and gratitude shape the future.
Though these holidays differ in style and origin, the heart behind them is the same: be grateful, share joy, and strengthen community. These powerful global gratitude traditions show us that gratitude is a universal language.
Worldwide Thankfulness Celebrations and Their Impact
At Cumorah Academy, gratitude isn’t limited to one season. It shows up in the everyday moments that shape our experience. Students cheer for one another during speeches, offer thoughtful feedback during leadership workshops, and extend kindness through new and challenging conversations. These worldwide thankfulness celebrations nourish a spirit of unity on campus.
Our weekly mentoring sessions invite students to reflect on growth, celebrate achievements, and learn from setbacks. Personal development classes encourage them to express gratitude not only for the opportunities they receive, but for the people they are becoming.
Service assignments throughout the semester remind us of a powerful truth:
When we serve others, we discover purpose in ourselves.
International Appreciation Customs Shared on Campus
One of the highlights of November at Cumorah Academy is the evening when students share international appreciation customs from their home countries. Through dance, food, storytelling, and music, we build cultural bridges and deepen mutual understanding.
A student from Brazil once said:
“I came to improve my English, but I’m leaving with my family.”
Here, family is not defined by blood but by gratitude, connection, and shared purpose. These presentations demonstrate the profound impact of genuine gratitude.
Global Gratitude Traditions at Cumorah Academy
So what does Thanksgiving mean here?
It means:
- Recognizing growth in ourselves.
- Celebrating diversity in others.
- Expressing love through service.
- Finding joy in community.
- Reflecting on faith, purpose, and direction.
At Cumorah Academy, our own global gratitude traditions go beyond food or festivities—they are reminders of who we are becoming and the community helping us get there.
This Thanksgiving, We Give Thanks for You
This season, we give thanks for:
Students who show courage by stepping into the unknown.
Teachers and mentors who share their time, wisdom, and hearts.
Volunteers and staff who keep the campus warm, clean, and full of energy.
Friends and community members who support one another with kindness and resilience.
The beautiful diversity that turns our campus into a global village.
Most of all, we give thanks for the spirit of unity that transforms ordinary days into meaningful memories. Gratitude strengthens relationships, fuels resilience, inspires service, and shapes who we become.
Whether you’re celebrating with turkey, rice cakes, tamales, moon cakes, chapati, or homemade bread, may your season be filled with reflection and joy.
From our global family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!
This season, and every season, we give thanks for you.
Extend the Spirit of Gratitude Through Giving
As we celebrate gratitude across cultures, we invite you to extend this spirit even further. Your support helps young people from around the world access education, mentorship, and life-changing opportunities at Cumorah Academy.
If this season has touched your heart, consider giving so others can grow, learn, and find a community where they belong.
Your gift doesn’t just support a student—it uplifts a future leader.
Donate today and help someone’s journey become possible.
Written by Emily Grow
Supervision by Kamila Uberto Fullmer
