If you come from a family like mine, Thanksgiving is anything but tranquil and relaxing. The whole house is filled with shouting, pots banging and people running around (like a turkey with its head cut off). I've gotten to the point where I am dragging myself to even get to Thanksgiving break; pleading with my inner self to keep pushing. No amount of Starbucks Peppermint coffee can keep me going and my only hope of relaxing is over break. So how do I make my Thanksgiving break both relaxing and a chance to catch up with friends?

RIC lets us out after classes Wednesday, the day before Turkey day. I already know Wednesday night I won't be greeted with hugs from my mom but rather a vacuum. After cleaning pointless rooms where family members will never even set foot in, I'm falling into bed. Thinking about sleeping and watching the Macy's parade? Forget about it, more cleaning to do. I always wonder, why clean the house if its only family; they should accept us for who we are. Our messy house.

Fast forward past dinner and finally saying goodbye to the family members you won't speak to until the next holiday. Now you're surrounded by peace and quiet-- you're probably also in a food coma. The first step of relaxing over Thanksgiving break is to wait until after Thanksgiving dinner to try to relax. If you're like me, though, and don't go to school near home you are trying to catch up with friends during this short break also. One way you can make sure to see your friends is to invite them to go Black Friday shopping with you. Create a plan of attack; take a nap after Thanksgiving dinner but before midnight. To add more time to your precious nap, try to convince your friends to pick you up and drive. This kills two birds with one stone; you can shop and catch up with your friends in line waiting for stores to open.

Spend Friday day sleeping and relax Friday night; maybe catch up with your favorite Netflix series. As far as the weekend goes, spend some time with your family and continue to relax. I suggest packing everything you need to bring back to school Saturday night, so Sunday you can sleep in. I look forward to a nice family breakfast before I leave for school again. To end on a positive note, remember as you drive away from your relaxing break and head towards a stressful couple weeks and finals that you are only about three weeks from Winter Break!