Don’t get me wrong, I love Christmas, I just think that poor Thanksgiving gets overshadowed on its own month. As soon as Nov. 1st hit, BAM, we got Christmas music, Christmas decorations, and Christmas promotions. When asking the other HerCampus writers for their opinion about Thanksgiving, about 2/3 said they were on board for a Pre-Christmas season starting in November.
I love Thanksgiving. It is one of my favorite holidays and I always feel happy when the fall season comes around because of the anticipation of the major food holiday. But lately, I’ve been noticing that a certain holiday has started overshadowing my beloved day. And I have some problems with that.
So, I made a list of 9 reasons why Thanksgiving should be celebrated in its own time, without Christmas cutting in too early.
1. Food
Come on guys, Thanksgiving is THE food holiday. I mean Valentine’s Day has chocolate, Christmas has cookies, but Thanksgiving has actual food. And food is something to be celebrated at its own pace. Plus, turkey isn’t an everyday food (I recognize the argument for turkey in sandwiches). Even though I wouldn’t eat it every day, knowing I can count on a well-done turkey at least once a year makes me happy.
2. Pumpkin
Pumpkin is such a staple of the Thanksgiving and fall season that it gets its own number. I mean, not only is pumpkin pie a wonderful gift to my stomach, but society has gotten so into the taste of pumpkin spice that it appears in EVERYTHING during November. I, for one, am not ashamed to admit how many pumpkin drinks, flavored desserts, or candles I’ve bought because of my love for pumpkin.
3. Family
Honestly, the family is the biggest reason Thanksgiving is up there in the holiday rankings. Everyone has a different family situation, whether it be a close-knit friend group spending the holiday together, or a giant extended family party, but everyone loves to spend time with those whom they care about the most. Sometimes it can be awkward, especially when your out-of-date or racist family members start acting out, but hey, at least it makes for a great story afterward.
4. Food Coma Naps
That moment when you eat a lot, your belly is full, and your eyes get droopy because of how relaxed you are, is one of the most satisfying feelings in the world. Not only does it lead to a very hearty nap, but there is no shame because everyone else is feeling the magical effects of a full stomach too. Just be sure you find a couch, as seating gets limited when everyone hits the sleepy lull.
5. Football
Even if you don’t really care for football, I get it, not all of us can be Seahawks fans, but most of us have at least a few people who get super hyped to watch the game. There are Turkey Bowls (pickup football games) while the turkey is cooking, and everyone just has a good time. If it’s not your scene, stay indoors with some cider and watch the action. It’s more enjoyable when you know the people who are playing.
6. Watching the Thanksgiving Parade
There is something about parades that make everyone super excited and Macy’s has been doing the BEST Thanksgiving Parade for years. Getting cozy with a soft blanket, a slice of pie, and watching the show from the comfort of your house brings in that warm, lazy, lovely feeling while watching giant balloon creatures.
7. Helping with the Cooking
Sounds like work, and work is usually frowned upon when someone is trying to show what makes something great, but I really believe this belongs on the list. Christmas, you can help too, but since Thanksgiving is about food and family, it makes it extra special to make the main feast together. The conversations that happen with my mother over the preparation of literal edible magic are moments I would never want to pass up. Also, if you’re helping, you get to lick the bowls.
8. No work, no school, just a celebration
How can you be willing to get rid of Thanksgiving and just make a pre-Christmas season when we don’t have any other responsibilities on that day except for enjoying ourselves? Enjoying ourselves with the company of others, amazing meals, and pretty much anything else we want to do.
9. Giving Thanks
Gratitude is something that tends to fall by the wayside unless we are conscious of it. How many things in our lives do we take for granted? Like the fact we don’t have to work, or that we have health insurance, family, friends, a house, we didn’t fail the semester, etc. There are so many things to be grateful for, that it’s nice to have a day dedicated to making us really think, show gratitude for what we have, and also to thank those who have made a positive impact in our lives. Even if you do nothing else on this holiday, or if you don’t want this holiday to be one at all, make it your day of reflection to really see how much you have. The exhilarating feeling that comes with being grateful is better than the food.
Thanksgiving is about giving thanks for what we have and for the people we have in our lives. And then after that, we get to celebrate another wonderful holiday, Christmas! I’m not saying one of these holidays is better than the other, I just think that we should celebrate both of them in their own time. Also, if there was no Thanksgiving there would be no
10. Black Friday Deals
and who doesn’t like saving money?
Have a Happy Turkey Day!