What I am so very ‘thankful’ for during Thanksgiving break

During Thanksgiving break, I look forward to the crisp, chill air and the relief of not having to write papers or study for tests. As I’m driving home to Florida, however, I’ll think to myself how thankful I am for a lot of things, and how these things can be sort of a nuisance.

Every year I tell myself that I will not excessively overeat on Thanksgiving day, but before I know it, I eat more than my stomach can handle. Who doesn’t love pecan pie and sweet potato casserole? I realize that everyone gets a “get out of jail free card” for overeating on Thanksgiving, but I don’t reap any benefits other than a four-hour nap afterwards. Also, the fact that my dark skinny jeans are feeling slightly snug the next day is not exactly a mood-booster. I do think an excessive amount of food is worth the calories and bellyaches, because most of us only have a big feast once each year. Plus, being a college student surviving solely on TV dinners and the Fresh Food Company, I’ll take all of my mom’s homemade, buttery mashed potatoes I can get.

Another thing-- I don’t know what it is when most of us go home to stay with our parents during the break, but I feel like a lot of them go into “helicopter mom & dad” mode all over again. Now, I understand the days back in high school when we had to be monitored about what party we were going to and what time we came home, but this shouldn’t be happening every time we come from college. Parents, we love you, but we are adults. We should not have to sneak out of our windows; adults should be able to use the front door.

Besides minor annoyances, I am thankful for Thanksgiving, pumpkin pie and the ability to eat tender turkey with my wonderful family back home. I give thanks for the love my parents have for me and the two stomachs I will have during the great Thanksgiving feast.