1. The entire holiday is centered around a meal. Which for someone who can never seem to get entirely full no matter how much they eat, this is the best thing ever. Also, it consists of comfort food -- turkey and mashed potatoes and bread, all the things that aren't really that good for you but are so delicious. And, no one judges you for getting seconds because you are supposed to.
2. Pie, all kinds of pie. I dislike pumpkin pie, but I am a lover of a good apple pie -- both of which are plentiful around this time. And no one really judges you for getting seconds of dessert, either.
3. Of course, seeing the family and extended family after three months away at school is pretty nice, too. Getting together and catching up with those relatives you only see during this time of year is pretty cool, and usually pretty crazy. And seeing your parents and siblings is pretty nice, too.
4. You get to see friends from home whom you have been away from for months -- which means catching up on their boy drama and trying to figure out who all the people are that they talk about. It is an opportune moment to make subtle comments about how your school is more fun, or smarter, or whatever you have to brag about. We all know we do it.
5. Leftovers. This, right here, could just be the best part about this holiday. You get to eat fresh turkey sandwiches for days after the actual holiday, along with leftover mashed potatoes and everything else your family may consume for Thanksgiving.
6. Going home. Oh, my goodness, I think most of us are about at our breaking point, right now, with school. I cannot wait to go home and sleep in my own bed, eat some home cooked food and do my laundry free of charge.
7. Of course, you get to vocalize what you are thankful for and hear what everyone else is thankful for. This may sound kind of lame, but I like hearing what everyone has to say about their lives and what they are thankful for.
8. It is the beginning of holiday season. After Thanksgiving, it is generally acceptable to play Christmas music and decorate for whatever you may celebrate. This whole time of year, despite the impending finals, is a very joyful one.
9. Black Friday shopping. Although I have never been able to get myself up at 2 a.m. to shove through crowds at my local mall, I always admire those who come home with all of their holiday shopping done by 8 a.m. the day after Thanksgiving. Mad props to those of you who can brave the masses for that special sale item.
10. Coming back to school and hearing about everyone else’s break, even though it was only a week long is pretty entertaining, especially listening to what they have to say about their crazy families. We have stories after holidays.
Most people do not pick Thanksgiving as their favorite holiday, but for me anything centered around food and family is a clear winner. So give thanks for all you have, and stuff yourselves full as the holiday season begins.
