When the question “What’s your favorite holiday?” is brought up, a lot of people answer with either Christmas or Halloween. Thanksgiving is squished right in between those and is often overlooked. I personally think it’s the best. I mean, what’s not to love about great food and gratuity?

1. One word: FOOD

Even if you’re not a big fan of turkey, there are so many other options just as great. Creamy mashed potatoes, perfectly baked macaroni and cheese, and green bean casserole to name a few.

2. Entire day dedicated to eating and sleeping

What other day, besides when we were all newborns, do you get the chance to go from eating, straight to the couch for a nap, and then back to eating, all day?

3. Traditions

Every family has little things that they do every year. Whether it’s the place that the meal is held, who slices the turkey, or who is going to be the first to change into sweatpants to make room for more food.

4. Holiday lighting ceremonies

In my hometown, one of my favorite things to do is go to one of the shopping districts after dinner and attend the holiday lighting ceremony. There’s singing, dancing, and a hometown celebrity always hosts. The only thing that could make it better is a guarantee of some snow.

5. Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Who doesn’t love getting great deals?

6. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Everyone loves the creatively decorated floats, different performers, and characters gliding through the streets of New York.

7. Best weather

Although some don’t like winter, I think it’s one of the best seasons. Sweaters, scarves, hot chocolate, SNOW.

8. Thanksgiving means you’re closer to Christmas

Nothing else. Just that.

9. Spending time with family

Thanksgiving is typically a time when families come together and you see people you haven’t gotten the chance to be with in a while. Even with the bombardment of questions about what you’re going to do the rest of your life, the positives outweigh the negatives.

10. Finding the time to truly be grateful

We all lead lives where we are running from one thing to the next and we often forget to stop and be grateful for the little things in life. Thanksgiving gives you a time to do that.

Thanksgiving is just an all around day of happiness. There’s honestly close to nothing that could bring me down on this day. Good food, good company, good times, what more could I ask for?