Thanksgiving is nearly upon us, and so is the turkey, family, and Instagram posts that go along with it. Thanksgiving is not the most commercially popular holiday; Christmas decorations have been in stores since early October, Christmas music has been flooding the heads of many, and Starbucks has unveiled its new red holiday cup. Thanksgiving kind of gets lost between the chaos of Halloween and Christmas, but that does not mean it does not deserve some respect. As well as its somewhat historical significance, the holiday has become an American tradition devoted to food and family that gives us a few days off from school and work.
With the nice Thanksgiving break just around the corner, don't just think of the food that accompanies the holiday, but also some hidden joys which make it all worthwhile.
1. Relaxation
Four to 10 days of absolutely nothing but time to relax.
2. Time to be productive
We all tell ourselves going into the break that we will get all our work done during the break. Whether that happens or not, we still have the trip back to school to get some work done. Maybe.
3. Stressful travel
Even though traveling home can be stressful, there can still be some enjoyment in traveling. You get to go home (or somewhere else), and that excitement can beat any of the stress of a crowded airport or bus.
4. It's still fall
Yeah, sometimes there is a foot of snow on the ground, but usually, the ground is covered in leaves, the air is brisk, and pumpkin spice lattes fill the hands of every basic girl in your neighborhood.
5. Football
Start the day with a neighborhood pickup game, head to the local high school stadium for the Turkey Bowl, then sit on the couch and watch the Eagles vs. Lions, Panthers vs. Cowboys, and Bears vs. Packers.
6. Sitting around the fireplace
Thanksgiving is the first time my family will turn on the fireplace (mostly due to the elderly relatives coming over). But grabbing a mug of hot apple cider and sitting next to the fireplace with a Snuggie and some football on the TV is probably one of life's greatest joys.
7. Side dishes
Not everyone can like turkey. The mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and stuffing can make the meal just as much.
8. Leftovers
Because who doesn't love interrupting their Black Friday shopping with a nice turkey sandwich?
9. Black Friday catalogs
As overwhelming as having 100 different catalogs in front of you can be, there's some sense of serenity in knowing that you can share in this stress with your family members and friends looking for the same deals.
10. The post-Black Friday nap.
After staying out all night and into the early morning shopping for either yourself or others, there is nothing more relaxing than returning to your bed for a couple of hours before heading out and spending more time with your friends and family.
11. The National Dog Show
After watching the Thanksgiving Day Parade, who doesn't want to watch some cute dogs walk around for a bit?
12. Going home
If you are going home, you get to see your family, friends, dog, and just hometown in general. It's relaxing. It's comforting. It's home.
