This week many of us are going home for Thanksgiving. I don't know about you guys, but I am super excited. I've always loved having an entire holiday that revolves around food (and being thankful, but mostly food). Of course, there are somethings that I rather dislike about visiting family during the holidays and I think I'll start with that.

Cons:

1. Losing some freedom

Being away from home from college means you have quite a bit of freedom. You set up your schedule however you like, staying in bed late, going to sleep whenever, being able to go out with friends whenever you feel like it.

However, when you're home, you suddenly have to clear everything with your parents again, especially your first few visits going back home. It feels really weird suddenly having to ask permission again.

2. The preparations

First, you have to figure out how you're getting home. Then when you're getting home. And once your home, you have to figure out who you're going to visit and when. Then for the actual holiday, what you have to make and buy. And afterward, how you're getting back to campus. It's so much planning.

3. Argumentative relatives

This was really just a polite way of saying terrible relatives. Everybody has that one family member who loves to start arguments in the middle of a holiday gathering. Or maybe, you're unfortunate enough to have a somewhat racist family member or one who harshly disagrees with your politics, and you just always end up getting a bad vibe off of them.

Either way, those family members always kind of kill the holiday cheer.

4. Having to visit everybody

Look, I don't really mind visiting my family, but I have a ridiculously large extended family and they all somehow expect me to visit each and every one of them in the few days I'm home. If you also have a giant family, you understand the struggle of wanting to stay in bed all day but having to get up to visit family instead.

5. Wanting to catch up on readings but not being able to

Look at number three as to reasons for why you cannot find time to somewhat catch up on the 5000 assignments you've been putting off.

6. Running into people you would rather avoid

Oh hello, ex who you've been avoiding for the last 4 years. What a pleasure running into you at the local grocery store or red light.

Pros:

1. Free laundry

90% sure the majority of all college students take all of their dirty clothes home to wash it without having to pay to use the school/apartment laundry machines that never quite clean it right.

2. Seeing family

Did I just complain about having to visit family? Yes. It's a love/hate thing. Being able to see your parents, my siblings, and all of the extended family together in one place is always something special. (Also, I'm always super excited to catch up on the family chisme and going home for the holidays is the best way to do it.)

3. Reuniting with friends

Maybe you've managed to stay close to some high school friends but you never really get a chance to see each other during the school year because you all went off to different colleges. The holidays are the perfect time for a quick reunion.

4. The food

Thanksgiving means the start of tamales seasons and I am ready. Seeing a table (or multiple tables) laden with food is perhaps the most beautiful sight in the world.

5. Being home

Being home means getting to visit all of your favorite places, restaurants, and memories. For me, it means escaping LA traffic and city air for backroads and breathable air. I love every inch of my hometown and I hope you do too. Or at least appreciate the few days you have to visit it.

Honestly, the pros of visiting home far outway the cons. There might be some freedoms you have to give up when you go home, but it's always nice to visit family and friends. I may not always get along with my family, but the holidays are something special. I hope you all enjoy your holidays, whoever and however you spend them!