Thanksgiving is a pretty controversial holiday. People are already celebrating Christmas (me), people love the food, hate the food, have dietary restrictions their extended family keeps asking about, aren’t ready for winter, and might not like the history behind the holiday. However, it’s still a great reminder to tell the people you’re thankful for how much you appreciate them.
Family First:
Your parents should definitely be thanked first. As much as they might pressure you to get straight As, they love and miss you and just want to hear how you are. You should also reach out to your relatives who don’t get to see you until the holidays. Maybe they’re going to the other side of the family for Thanksgiving and you won’t see them at all, or if you will, get the “What’s your major? Do you have boyfriend? Have you been to the gym?” talk out of the way beforehand.
Long Distance and Home Friends:
You’re all busy. You all know you don’t talk as much as you like. Even if you don’t talk every day or every week remind them that you’re still there for them (and make plans for winter break!).
Your Class Friends:
Maybe you’re only friends because you’re in class together, but when you sleep through class, they catch you up; when the day’s lesson is excruciatingly boring, they keep you entertained; when you have no idea where to start studying, they help motivate you. They might want to reach out but don’t know how – beat them to the punch.
New Friends:
Maybe you’re not best friends yet, but you want to be! Thanksgiving is a great time to make plans to get closer. Start a Snapchat streak over break and make plans for brunch when you get back in December.
Your Favorite Professors:
Some professors are just amazing. They make you love your major, help you figure out what your career path is, and understand that you’re not perfect and when life happens, it doesn’t mean you don’t care about the material. Perhaps they’re the advisor who saved your entire schedule. Thank them over break; in the very least, you will be on their good side before finals.
Last but Not Least, Your Best Friends:
You text them consistently throughout the day, go out together every weekend, and have late night study sessions together. Your best friend knows you love them, even without you saying it. But you should tell them. Here’s a good chance to tell them how thankful you are for them. Reassure them (or get reassured) that you aren’t distracting or talking too much. You’ll be apart and busy with family for a whole weekend, and then finals finals finals! Tell them how important they are to you before you take a small hiatus from constant contact with one another.