For most people, their favorite holidays are usually Halloween, Christmas or their birthday.
Those three pivotal points in the year are the times where it’s the most festive and decorative.
On Halloween, houses on streets display their jack-o-lanterns, spider webs and cauldrons full of candy. On Christmas, streams of bright lights line trees and houses while blow-up Santa and reindeer displays top the rooves of houses. And on birthdays, streamers, balloons and a giant cake with your name in icing couldn’t be a more joyous or vain occasion to celebrate.
But what about the holidays that are overlooked? What about good ol’ Columbus Day? What about St. Patricks Day? And what about Thanksgiving?
Sure, these holidays are acknowledged. They are even anticipated if students can get a few days off school for it. But no one truly counts down the days until these holidays like they do with Christmas (for goodness sake, there’s a Google countdown already and it’s not even Thanksgiving).
I think it’s sad.
Personally, my favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. I can always count Thanksgiving to fall on a Thursday. The weather is never dreary that time of year. And I know that no matter where I go or what side of the family I’m with, I will be fed well.
The following is a more in-depth explanation for my love of Thanksgiving:
1. It’s consistent
As I stated earlier, Thanksgiving always falls on a Thursday. While this may be insignificant for most, I know that I can count on the third Thursday of the month to be when I see my family next. Living abroad for most of my life, my family and I tend to get separated and not see each other as often as we would like to. I remember being younger and having my dad miss out on important holidays due to work. I would feel a bit disappointed if he had to miss my birthday or some part of our winter vacation because he was in another country. But one holiday I could always count on was Thanksgiving. I always knew that he would come home and cut the turkey for our family dinner, so I made sure to reserve his seat at the head of the dinner table.
2. It’s during my favorite time of year
Most girls will agree with me that fall is their favorite season. Comfy sweaters, dark-washed jeans and boots always equate cute and comfortable fashion. On top of that, the weather during Thanksgiving break is always cool and crisp- that means the family plays football outside and is greeted with hot cocoa and pumpkin spice lattes when we’re back indoors. When the weather is prime, how can you not have a good time?
3. The food is amazing
This is an understatement. I literally look forward to this meal more than Christmas, my birthday, or even after eating on campus for too long and I’m able to get a home-cooked meal during fall break. It makes my mouth water thinking about it. What could be better than a succulent turkey roasted in the oven for hours, stuffing cooked to perfection, mashed potatoes the size of a mountain on my plate, roasted vegetables (vegetables only taste good during Thanksgiving to me), and sweet, homemade cranberry sauce and gravy to pour everything over? Nothing. Nothing beats that meal. Of course I’m leaving out a few dishes like sweet potatoes, dinner rolls, corn and whatnot. But nothing beats piling on delicious globs of food and eating until you pass out with the people you love- or the people who aren’t allowed to technically judge you. It’s a blessing.
So this Thanksgiving, appreciate your family and close friends who are able to stay with you. Give that great-aunt Sally a kiss on the cheek and listen to your Grandma tell you how wonderful you are without rolling your eyes. Don’t forget to give your parents a big hug and kiss when you finally see them after months. Help your mother set the table even when you might be busy because your house is overpopulated. And last but not least, be sure to cuddle with your dog whenever you can.
