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8 Things We Pretend to Love About Thanksgiving But Secretly Hate

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Illinois chapter.

The leaves are falling, there’s a nip in the air, and that’s when you hear it: the sound of gravel crunching underneath tires and clamor of loud voices you know all too well. The relatives have arrived, and it’s Thanksgiving. We can all throw a smile on our face and pretend that this is the best time of the year, but let’s be honest: sometimes it’s a bit difficult to get into the holiday spirit. Here are eight things that remind us why Thanksgiving can actually be the worst holiday yet.

1. Turkey

Do people actually like this stuff? What made the turkey the international Thanksgiving symbol? Who heard that gobble gobble from such a large-hipped, feathery animal and thought, “Yes, this is it. That is our holiday dinner”? I feel bad for all the vegetarians in this world, but I guess they can sit in the corner enjoying some cranberry sauce in peace without any pressure to eat such a thing.

2. The Parade

I honestly don’t understand what this parade is all about. I see blown-up turkeys galore flying in the sky (which I find quite creepy by the way) and family members crowd around the TV to watch. There was even a Spongebob balloon once…what does Spongebob have to do with Thanksgiving? 

3. The Interrogation from Family Members

“Do you have a boyfriend?” “What are you doing after college?” “Do you have a job yet?” “Seriously, no boyfriend?” These are just some of the questions we’re going to have to answer to the plethora of relatives. Saying the same thing over and over again really gets frustrating, too. No Aunt Susan, I am not dating anyone, and no, I’m not lonely.

4. Football

No one ever knows what is going on while watching football. While everyone else is talking and enjoying appetizers, we have Uncle Mike and Uncle Jim yelling at the TV in unison. Please stop, we get that football is exciting for you two, but honestly, I’m getting a headache. 

5. Your Grandma’s Casserole

Sorry Grandma, I know you’re excited about it, but each year it becomes harder to swallow. Mushrooms should never be in a casserole. Ever.

6. Hosting

Mom is yelling at me to clean, the vacuum is running full speed, turkey is in the oven, I am scrubbing everything (even the walls), and I am wondering if I could ever catch a break.

7. Black Friday

Do I really want to lose sleep and head to the mall only to fight with wild people in the electronics department at Target? Yeah, count me out.

8. Saying What You’re Thankful For

We all know this is just a gimmick to get me to admit that I am thankful for my family and the food and the opportunity to go to college –  blah blah blah. In reality, I am thankful that this holiday is almost over. Let’s get this show on the road.

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Micayla Shevlin

Illinois '21

Micayla is a junior at the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign. She is currently an Advertising major and has loved writing short stories and poetry ever since she was little.
Gloriann Lance

Illinois '19

Hi! My name is Gloriann Lance and I am a senior at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. I am one of the two Campus Correspondents for the 2018-2019 school year and I have been on Her Campus for 3 years.