For college kids, Thanksgiving break can be the light at the end of a long, dark, stressful tunnel. Even though you may still have work to finish that's due when you get back from break and return to classes, it's still a time to relax and enjoy some much needed "you" and family time. Thanksgiving break may be the first time a student has been able to come home since leaving for school in August. With all of these exciting things happening, you may lose track of time and not get to do all of the fun things you wanted to do when you were home for the 5 day break. Here's a few ideas of how to utilize the short amount of time you have home, but still keep busy doing fun activities.

1. Plan a visit to your high school.

There's nothing more refreshing than walking into your old high school and seeing familiar faces everywhere that once were a huge part of your life. You'll be able to catch up with your favorite teachers and tell them all about your first semester. They'll have tips dealing with how to not die during finals week and will appreciate your visit more than you know.

2. Spend quality time with your friends from home.

No matter how distant you may seem to be from your group of high school friends, you all still have one thing in common: home. Set aside time to genuinely listen to how each other's semesters are going and to just relax and pretend like you're back in high school. Its nice to be with your college friends everyday, but your high school friends still have a piece of your heart dedicated to them. Spend the night watching all of your favorite movies and reminiscing on some of your favorite memories. Trust me, everyone needs it after focusing solely on school for 3 months.

3. Dedicate Thanksgiving day to family.

I know a lot of people in retail that have to work on thanksgiving night (you're all the real MVP's), but if you're lucky enough to be able to spend the whole day with your family, embrace it. Spend the day helping to cook, entertain your little cousins, watch football with your dad, and just soak up the atmosphere. You'll be needing family time when you're back at school soon enough.

4. Sleep.

After almost a full semester, you deserve a good night's sleep, and being in your own bed makes it even better. Don't forget when making plans for break, that this is your time to relax and recoup and get ready for the rest of the semester and the best week of all: finals week!

Enjoy your Thanksgiving break, but more importantly, think about people who aren't as fortunate as us to be able to be home with their families for the holidays.

Here's to a week full of overeating and much needed relaxation, you'll be thankful you took this time to recoup when it's finals week.