With the end of November swiftly passing by, Thanksgiving has rapidly approached sending both excitement and shivers down my spine. Thanksgiving is the holiday which comes once a year in which people set aside one special day to take a step back and look at what life has given them. Sure, everyone should feel grateful for all that they are fortunate to have everyday, but Thanksgiving, particularly is the one day where this thanks is expressed.

Personally, I have looked forward to coming home for Thanksgiving and Fall Break because I have finally been given the opportunity to forget about my school work. I have also been able to spend time with my immediate family who I have not been able to see very much throughout the semester. Thanksgiving is the perfect recharge to get me energized and motivated to go back to school to end the semester on a high note.

Thanksgiving sounds like a great time in which one could unwind and just relax while eating comfort food with loved ones. Right? Unfortunately, Thanksgiving is not always as wonderful as it may seem. Especially not in my case.

After awaiting this meal for weeks, it is finally time to sit down for Thanksgiving dinner, famished for the food that has been cooking in the kitchen all day. After arriving to the grand dinner table, everybody piles their plates high with savory dishes including stuffing, casseroles, and turkey before digging in. Eventually, and unfortunately, all of you are going to have to talk to each other.

This, is the most dreaded part of the Thanksgiving meal, and maybe the most dreaded part of any family gathering all year. It is all fun and games until one crazy relative brings up a controversial topic or asks you questions to make you uncomfortable. If your family is as loud, obnoxious and impudent as mine, you should know to hope for the best but to expect the worst.

This year, I have made a promise, or a resolution if you will, to myself in order to better my Thanksgiving day and dinner experience. I am going to do all that I can to steer my family’s dinner conversations towards various topics that will not cause severe arguments or disagreements. I am also going to try my best to avoid, or ignore comments and questions directed towards me that are either rude, or uncalled for about my college career.

Hopefully, with this resolution of playing peacemaker and knowing my own self worth, I will be able to have the relaxing Thanksgiving I have been looking forward to. To all of you out there with family members similar to mine who may not always know their place, hopefully my resolution can inspire you to come up with your own resolutions. Do not dwell upon the negatives and remember what the Thanksgiving spirit is all about. Happy Thanksgiving!