With Thanksgiving happening a week from today, I’ve been getting a little more into the holiday spirit, so I decided this week to list my personal top 10 favorite things about Thanksgiving and Thanksgiving break.
10.) Thanksgiving is the beginning of the holiday season
Thanksgiving is just the beginning of many more holidays to celebrate. Already, there are Christmas songs on the radio and preparations beginning for the holidays, and Thanksgiving in my mind marks the start of the holiday season. The end of November into December is the peak time to get into the holiday spirit and get excited for the other holidays that are right around the corner, as well as winter break approaching.
9.) The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
There’s just something about watching these big, oversized balloons of well-known television characters and floats of celebrities waving and singing through the usually crowded streets of Manhattan that is so entertaining. People line the streets in the frigid weather just to catch a glimpse of the spectacle that is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. My personal favorite balloon is Snoopy, and I love hearing all of the marching bands play.
8.) Taking a break from classes
At this point in the semester, we seem to hit a lull between midterms and the end of term final exams where time feels as if it is standing still as we hold our breath for winter break. A whole five days off of class is pivotal in helping us to feel revived to tackle the rest of the semester and the finals and stress-filled days that loom ahead.
7.) Catching up with friends
Thanksgiving break is the perfect opportunity to make some time to reconnect with friends from home after being away at school. Set up fun plans with your time off like grabbing a cup of coffee, checking out Black Friday sales, or enjoying some leftover apple pie and watching a movie.
6.) Football
To me, nothing beats curling up on the couch after eating a big Thanksgiving dinner and watching the NFL games, especially the Cowboys. Even if your team doesn’t play on Thanksgiving, it’s always fun to watch and see how the other teams do. This Thanksgiving, the first game is the Bears versus the Lions, followed by the Cowboys versus the Bills, and ending with the Saints playing the Falcons. Let’s go Cowboys!
5.) Reflecting on what you’re thankful for
In the midst of all of the food and time off of work and school, I love that this holiday is about taking a minute to stop what you’re doing and being mindful of everything you have to be grateful for. Sometimes we get so caught up in our day to day lives, that finding time to hit pause and look back at all we have is a very valuable thing to do. Keep in mind all that you are grateful for during this holiday.
4.) Thanksgiving dinner
Ugh. Thanksgiving dinner. My stomach growls just thinking about it. Turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, pie and my personal favorite: stuffing. One of the best parts about Thanksgiving by far is sitting down for Thanksgiving dinner and filling your plate with some yummy, homemade recipes, or whatever your time-honored tradition may be.
3.) Post-food coma naps
After finishing the heaping plate of food you made yourself, what’s better than putting on your comfiest pair of pants and passing out on your couch? Snuggle up under your coziest blanket and crash for a few hours, dreaming of the leftovers that will last you for days.
2.) Leftovers
One of the best parts of Thanksgiving is all of the leftovers you have from Thanksgiving dinner. The Thanksgiving dinner leftovers are the gift that keeps on giving, with an assortment of turkey and tasty side dishes and desserts to be eaten over the next couple of days. A slice of pie here, and turkey sandwich there…the options are endless!
1.) Family
In my opinion, the best part about Thanksgiving is getting to spend quality time with family. Whether you just spend Thanksgiving with your immediate family, or you travel to visit your extended family as well, enjoy the time you have with your loved ones and remind those you love that you’re grateful for them.