Midterms are finally winding down, Halloween has passed, and we are all back into our mundane routines with seemingly nothing to look forward to but finishing the semester. Think again, because November means Thanksgiving break is coming. If the break from classes isn’t enough to get you excited, there are several additional perks that come along with it. I would call it “the light at the end of the tunnel” perk; you get to be at home enjoying great food, along with seeing your family and friends, and you can have some serious fun just knowing that there’s only a few more weeks of classes.
REAL food
No not dining hall food, not fast food, not the four granola bars you eat for lunch at the library, but real, edible food made by your mom. Although at this point you would settle for absolutely anything outside of your routine food choices, thanksgiving dinner takes the cake. Walking into a house that smells of roasting turkey, cranberries, and anything pumpkin will have you wanting to stay at home forever (and eating as many leftovers as you can).
Hometown friends
Although your friends at school are great, there is nothing like your hometown friends. Whether you go to college together or not, you will all be reunited again on your home turf. It’s a great time to reminisce and catch up, as well as do the things you used to do for fun. Break is only a few short days so soak up the time you have together.
Your family
Even if your parents drive you crazy, you can’t deny that the past 3 months of school have been long. It’s a perfect break for seeing family – not too long, not too short. And the same goes for the extended family you’re forced to spend Thanksgiving with – short and sweet. Cherish the quality time, because before you know it you’ll be back in your dorm with your roommate wishing you could be on the couch watching TV with your mom.
Quality fun
At school, many “fun” activities involve large quantities of alcohol and sleepless nights. But at home, you can have fun and enjoy your vacation from school with no alcohol involved. Whether you’re enjoying dinner with friends, a movie, or simply having a get together at home, you can have a great time but also feel relaxed and rested in the morning.
Relaxation
It is hard to find time at school to actually take time for yourself. Take the few days off to reestablish your sanity. Turn off your alarms and sleep in. Read a book for enjoyment, not because your professor is forcing you to read it. Watch TV shows you used to watch but no longer have time for. Do all the things you wish you could do at school but have no time for.
Just when you think there is nothing to look forward to, Thanksgiving comes along. Make the most of the upcoming weeks with the promise of a pleasing break ahead.
