By Selena Vera
Staff writer
As November is getting close to ending, college students from around the country are keeping their fingers crossed for one thing: Thanksgiving break. Be it returning home to one’s family, taking a voyage with friends, or just remaining right on campus for some well-deserved downtime, this holiday, provides a much-needed reprieve from the busy life of college.
Thanksgiving is way more than feasting and football. Besides being a time of rest, it also allows you to go back and reunite with those who mean the most. For students, it’s a great time to recharge before plunging into the final stretch of the semester.
A Brief History of Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving didn’t become an official national holiday until 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln declared a day of thanks during the Civil War, asking Americans to come together in gratitude and reflection. Since then, Thanksgiving has evolved into a time for family gatherings, delicious food, and taking stock of the things we’re grateful for.
Friendsgiving: A New Tradition
To many students attending college, Thanksgiving isn’t just about family; it’s also about friends. Be it staying on campus or not being able to make it home for the holiday, one tradition that is outgrowing its informal beginnings is what some call Friendsgiving — a fun and meaningful way to celebrate with your closest friends.
During Friendsgiving, everybody brings a certain dish for all to enjoy. Whether one cooks or orders in takeout, it is a great way to have a festive meal without the travel stress or negotiating the complexity of family dynamics. Besides, it’s a great excuse to bring people together, make memories, and reflect on what one is thankful for —the support of friends, the laughter shared and the comfort from people who feel like family.
A Break from the Books
Thanksgiving break brings a much-needed breather for college students after weeks of exams, papers and late-night study sessions. It is oftentimes the first real opportunity to step away from textbooks and take a pause before the whirlwind of finals. Whether one is heading to houses or staying in their college town, it’s a time to let loose and focus on self-care.
How to Make the Most of Thanksgiving Break
Recharge Your Batteries
After weeks of hard work, rest is in order. Use this time of the Thanksgiving break to sleep in and be restive, to recharge your energies for the remainder of the semester. Sit back and enjoy the slow pace; give yourself some time to unwind.
Reconnect with Loved Ones
Whether it’s family, friends, or pets, Thanksgiving is the perfect time to reconnect. If you’ve been busy with classes and extracurriculars, it’s easy to miss out on quality time with the people who matter most. Make the most of your time together—catch up, share stories, and make memories.
Indulge in Delicious Food
And of course, food is synonymous with Thanksgiving! Be it turkey, pumpkin pie, or mashed potatoes, they are comforting and a time-honored tradition. Now is the time to indulge in homemade favorites, or try out a new recipe of one’s own. For some students, it’s time to taste foods that they do not get to eat very often during the semester.
Reflect and Give Thanks
Beyond the feasts and celebrations, Thanksgiving is also a time for reflection. Take a moment to consider all that you’re grateful for: your education, the opportunities, friendships, and people that support you. Whether you journal, meditate, or just take a quiet moment to reflect, it’s a good time to put things in perspective.
Get Involved in Your Community
If you will be staying on campus or in your hometown, use the break to give back. Many organizations host volunteers over the holidays; examples are helping at a food bank or shelter. Volunteering is a great way to help those in need, but also a meaningful way to really get into the true spirit of Thanksgiving.
Prep for the Final Sprint
While Thanksgiving break is a time to unwind, use it as an opportunity to gear yourself up mentally for the final stretch of this semester. Reflect on how far you have come, review your grades, and create a plan of attack for the rest of your assignments and exams. The balance of relaxing and preparing you now will set you up for success.
Take a moment to enjoy as Thanksgiving break approaches, remember that this time off is given as an opportunity to do a lot more than taking a break from school. It is a time to rest, reconnect, and reflect on the things that matter most. Use your time well to spend with family, friends, or by yourself, and relish these moments before returning to the hectic last weeks of the semester. So as you pack up and leave for the holiday or cuddle up in your dorm room, take a deep breath and remember:
Thanksgiving isn’t all about the food — it’s also about being grateful and finding happiness in those little things.
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