Americans, but especially New Englanders, love Thanksgiving. It’s a time when we get to boast of how many times we’ve visited Plymouth Plantation or ponder all the Native American named rivers and towns and school around us. Just as the cold winds start to blow and winter jackets are taken out of the closet, Turkey Day makes its arrival. Finally, a brief respite from endless class and homework. So, to commemorate how great Thanksgiving is, here’s a small list of why I’m grateful for it.

1. Home cooked, fresh-baked food

Coming in the door to the smell of warm pumpkin pie and mashed potatoes is really the most delightful feeling in the world. Turkey and stuffing and gravy are just the main meal; there’s so much more to eat, and it’s all so good. Whether you’re a traditional turkey eater, or you just like the brussel sprouts, there’s always a food group on the table for you.

2. Five days of sitting on the couch, reading

I don’t know about you, but this is what I’ll be doing, ideally. It’s been far too long since I’ve had the free time to just read and relax with a nice mug of chocolate nearby. Maybe I’ll throw in a movie or two, just to mix things up.

3. Watching the news for all the ridiculous things that happen on Black Friday

As a non-Black Friday-er myself, I get to stay at home, avoid people and crowds, and instead read the news about how some lady punched three other women to get that new 72” TV she’s wanted for the entire year and stayed up all night in line to be the first one in the door.

Now, since I wrote this article BEFORE Thanksgiving, I have no idea if any of this did, in fact, come to pass. I sincerely hope it does. I also sincerely hope that past me (me as I write this) does all her homework and doesn’t procrastinate until Saturday. Like usual. Future me (me now) will thank me later (?). Dang-nabbit, now I’ve gone and confused myself. Happy (past but future for me as I write this) Thanksgiving.