Family, friends, food -- wow, what more could you want? Well, actually, a lot more and this year we're really welcoming the more with open arms and a little bit of abuse of all the fantastic things that come along with going home.
1. Use the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade as an excuse not to help out in the kitchen.
"Yeah dad, I'll help in just a sec -- OH MY GOSH -- SANTA..."
2. Convince at least one nosy family member that you are engaged.
You just want to make it through hor d'oeuvres without having to explain your relationship status.
3. Or, you are expecting.
Why not go the extra mile? Plus, it gives you an excuse to take that extra serving of mashed potatoes.
4. Engage in an intense political conversation with your overly opinionated relative.
There's always that one rule -- don't bring it up around your overly conservative Uncle. But convincing him you're die-hard liberal is just way more fun.
5. Drink too much of your parents' expensive wine.
It's been so long since you've had anything but wine coolers -- they've offered you a glass, and somehow it just keeps refilling itself. Whoops. Is this how the other side lives?
6. Spread your lab manual out while you secretly binge watch Netflix.
"Mom, Dad -- you don't understand how crazy this time of year is for me." Don't worry, they can't see what's really on your screen.
7. Stuff the Tupperware containers way too full with leftovers.
Do you really need all that food? No. But groceries are expensive and who has time to make that trip?
8. Bask in your heated house.
Your roommates are trying to go as long as humanly possible to not pay for heat -- so go ahead, ignore your parents' energy efficient rules, crank up the heat, and remember the good times when you didn't pay utilities.
9. Overuse the baby talk with your dog.
It's OK -- he's missed you too.
10. Naps. Lots and lots of naps.
Wake up early? Nap. Eat lunch? Nap. Stand up too fast? Nap. You're stocking up for finals, right?
11. Hug your parents way more than they'd like (and then sneak that last piece of pie they've had their eye on).
But really, who else will give you unquestioned free hugs at any point in the day? Take it all in, get a little sensi, and then eyes on the pie.
