Thanksgiving Day is upon us once again, and many students are looking forward to spending time with their family and eating plenty of food.

According to the National Turkey Federation, “Nearly 88 percent of Americans surveyed eat turkey at Thanksgiving … approximately 690 million pounds of turkey were consumed in the United States during Thanksgiving 2008.”

Zully Cisneros, 34, who is studying child adolescent and family studies, said she was excited to spend family time this year because many guests are coming over for dinner.

“I have relatives coming in from L.A. and Mexico, of whom I haven’t seen in the past 15 years,” said Cisneros. Cisneros will be cooking two turkeys, ham, spaghetti, mashed potatoes, pies and chile.

Joe Peters, 20, history major, will be hanging out with friends before being with family. “I am going turkey hunting for the first time with my friends, and I am excited,” said Peters. Once with his family, Peters will enjoy dinner and also watch a football game with his family.?

Turkey consumption has more than doubled over the past 25 years, and, in 2008, per capita, turkey consumption was 17.6 pounds compared to 8.3 pounds in 1975, according to the National Turkey Federation.

However, Thanksgiving for some students is viewed differently.

Priscilla Saenz, 20, art major, said she doesn’t celebrate Thanksgiving because her religion doesn’t endorse it.

“I think this holiday is celebrated based on tradition and is a tangible thing. I think family reunions are good and should not just happen once a year, but rather every day and give thanks every day as well,” she said.

Daniel Zuniga, 18, undeclared, said he would be staying home with the family as usual.

“I must say, though, that I would rather be hanging out with friends than with the family,” he said.