I love the gift-giving season, but can we please stop going from Halloween straight to the holiday season? I understand Thanksgiving is problematic due to its origin, but it's still a holiday that should be appreciated. Some of the best side dishes come around during Thanksgiving and it’s just such a warm holiday that should be spent thinking about and appreciating our loved ones. I want us all to stop ignoring Thanksgiving because it is still part of the holiday season. I’ll give you seven reasons why Thanksgiving should be better appreciated:

1. Mashed Potatoes

Everyone loves a good starch! Who can deny the warm embrace of some buttery, delicious mashed potatoes? Mashed potatoes are honestly always a great side and Thanksgiving just proves this even further.

2. Green Bean Casserole

I don't know about you, but I don't think there is any other time in the year when green bean casserole is made, making this an extra special side! Arguably the best part of this dish is the crispy fried French onions on top. The combination of the crunchy with the tender is amazing. I will always stand up for this side.

3. Stuffing

Stuffing is turkey's #1 sidekick. It tastes delicious and is a burst of flavor in your mouth. Additionally, who doesn't love bread? This side dish is literally just a bunch of bread pieces, and I am all for it.

4. Sweet Potato

Sweet potatoes come in various forms for Thanksgiving: pie, casserole, candied, baked, etc. It honestly doesn't matter because they are delicious in every form! Thanksgiving cannot be complete without this orange veggie making an appearance.

5. Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce (when made correctly) is incredible. It's sweet and tart all at the same time. Is it a dessert or a side dish? I don't really care as long as it's at the table.

Gravy is the ultimate sidekick to all the wonderful Thanksgiving food. Mashed potatoes, turkey, stuffing? They can all get drowned in this saucy goodness. It's honestly shameful if someone sets the table without a gravy boat. The gravy brings everything to the next level.

7. Cornbread

No meal is complete without a side of some sort of bread. Cornbread is delightful because it's the perfect balance between dense and airy while being just sweet enough. It is the perfect side of any plate of food.

Now that the facts have been laid out, let us all realize that Thanksgiving is important and should be cherished. The food at Thanksgiving is food not only for our bodies, but for our souls, and that should be appreciated more than it is.