At this point in the year, students are typically ready to take a break and head home for a little bit. With finals coming up, going home for Thanksgiving break provides stress relief for some, while being around the family only causes more stress for others. We all go through these "stages" when coming home for Thanksgiving.
Stage 1: Excitement
You start packing your bags, thinking about all the food you get to enjoy, seeing your friends and family, and you just get happy. You're excited to hear all about how college is going with your friends from high school and see what else you've missed in your hometown. But did I mention the food?
Stage 2: Bittersweetness
While of course you're excited about everything mentioned in stage 1, you're also about to be away from all your college friends for probably longer than you have since you got to school. Also, you'll be at home where you can't do exactly whatever you want. And sadly, there's always the stress that college has changed your old friends and things just won't be the same. You're almost somewhat nervous.
Stage 3: Relief
Finally, you've made it home and the first thing you do is go lay in your bed.. and maybe take a shower where you finally don't have to wear shower shoes. You see your family, friends, pets, and guess what? Everything is okay.
Stage 4: Boredom
Some people might be lucky enough to avoid this stage if their hometown actually has things to do. Unfortunately, for a lot of us, after going to one or two parties in our hometown, we're basically ready to get back to school. You'll probably just stay cooped up in your bed watching Netflix, but at least at home, the bed is actually comfortable.
Stage 5: Satisfaction
Woohoo! Thanksgiving Day is here and you can stuff your face with something other than dining hall food. You see all your family and realize what Thanksgiving is all about. After spending the whole day pigging out, you can just relax.
Stage 6: Get Me Out of Here
You've enjoyed being home for a little, but at this point, you've done everything there is to do. You've seen your family, you've seen your friends, and you've eaten your weight in turkey and mashed potatoes. What else is there to do?
Stage 7: Nostalgia
Now, you're back at school. Yeah, you're happy to be back, but it's no longer fun and games. Essays, exams, and stress is the only thing coming. You miss the good 'ole high school days when the hardest thing you had to do was convince your parents to let you stay out later.
