It's a pretty universally agreed upon idea that Thanksgiving is one of the best holidays. The food is great, time off is great, the spirit of the season is great. But nothing beats the true meaning of Thanksgiving that rests in its name... giving thanks for the blessings that you have!

Thanksgiving truly is a time of family and togetherness, and some of the best memories are made around the table during the holiday.

It's always great to go home and revisit with all of the family that you haven't seen in so long. Nothing reminds you of why you should be happy and grateful like being surrounded by those you love. Thanksgiving, like all other holidays shared with your family, is for creating and enjoying memories that will last a lifetime.

During Black Friday, it's easy to get caught up in the consumerism and hustle but in the end, I don't look forward to it because I think I will get a great deal. I love Black Friday can't wait to see my cousins again, and continue the tradition of our early morning trips to the mall, watching everyone trip over each other to get into Victoria's Secret, then ordering way too many hash browns at Dunkin Donuts. It's the fond memories, the hilarious moments we'll reference into adulthood, that I'll keep to truly make me appreciate the holiday. It's not exactly what it stands for, but the deeper, more meaningful layers beyond that give me cause to give thanks and cherish the season.

During the Thanksgiving time, the whole immediate family is together again for the longest time since the summer. It seems like forever since the warm weather has gone by and everyone has been living under one roof. I miss living within a yell from my sister and a step from the care of my parents. This is a time to feel like a kid again, relive the good memories, and revel in the happiness of a full family.

This season in itself is one of transition. The weather is making a change from warm to cold. The political cycle is winding down and so is the school year. One holiday melts into another and we see changes to what used to be regular routines as people add new responsibilities, and shorter nights to get them done, to their schedules.

It's easy to think that this change is negative when it's so much better to perceive it as beneficial. If you can look at the positives of the transition season and see it as a time for personal growth and improvement as well, you can improve your mental state and become an all-around more appreciative person.

You can start small in this mental state transition, by giving thanks on Thanksgiving simply for the opportunity to be thankful. You can appreciate that you recognize having all kinds of blessings during this season, from memories to family to opportunities to grow, all things that mean something beautiful. And you can love and take part in the tradition of gratefulness that is so characteristic of the season.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!