Turkey Day is right around the corner and many college students will be returning home for the first time since the semester started. In accordance with the holiday of “giving thanks,” here are a few things to be thankful for when you go home.

Home Cooked Meals

Your first home cooked meal back will for sure be the best meal you’ve ever tasted. A meal prepared with love and affection…and ingredients that aren’t bought in bulk and stored in a freezer for God knows how long.

Your Dog

The best welcome home hands down comes from your dog. You have to give him/her a million and one belly rubs to make up for the three months you’ve spent apart. (If you have a cat — you’re missing out).

Your Own Bed

Be prepared for the best sleep of your life. Nothing beats falling asleep in a nice, cozy warm bed in your own room.

Friends From Home

You probably have made some great friends in college but your friends from home hold a special place in your heart. They knew you at your awkward stage and still wanted to be your friend.

Your Parents

Hopefully you’ve gained enough perspective at this point to realize how much your parents actually do for you. They spend thousands of dollars to send you through higher education. They have also deal with your BS for the past 18+ years so thank them for being awesome. Shout-out to my mom and dad for being the best parents ever!

No Obligations

For the first time in three months you can go to bed with a smile on your face because you have no work due the next day. You get to sleep in for a full five days and don’t have to be the in the presence of people other than your family!

Seriously though, be thankful for everything you have in your life because there are so many people in the world that would love to have the opportunities that you do.