After Halloween, many people tend to skip over the excitement of Thanksgiving and jump into the December spirit. While we might only have a few days off in November instead of a few weeks, there’s so much to love about it! Here are some reasons why Thanksgiving is so underrated and why people should look forward to it more.

Reuniting with family and friends

Thanksgiving brings together friends and family. What’s not to appreciate about that? It’s so special to be surrounded by your loved ones and see those who you haven’t seen in a while. Especially after long, difficult months in college, connecting with familiar faces is key! In my opinion, family, friends and food are some of the most important things in life!

Delicious food

With so many dishes on the table, there’s bound to be something for everyone! Whether your favorite dish is the turkey or a special family recipe — you’ll be plenty full by the end of the night. The leftovers make for a great week of eating, too. Be sure to help in the kitchen when you can as a way to extend your thanks. 

Thankfulness 

It may be cliche, but it’s a good tradition to have. Sharing your gratitude is just as important as the day itself. I always force my family to go around the table and say what you’re thankful for this year. It’s a nice reminder of what’s important in your life. 

Football

Football is often a huge part of Thanksgiving day. If you’re not needed in the kitchen, plop on the couch with some snacks and watch the game. There are [the] three football games on Thanksgiving this year: Buffalo Bills vs Detroit Lions: 12:30 p.m. ET., New York Giants vs Dallas Cowboys: 4:30 p.m. ET., New England Patriots vs Minnesota Vikings: 8:20 p.m. ET.

Parades

If you’re not a sports fan, the Macy’s thanksgiving parade is always fun to watch. There’s plenty of entertainment in the parade such as the huge cartoon balloon, [b]*B*roadway performances and musicians! It’s a great way to spend your time while your food is cooking in the oven! 

Weather and fall outfits 

For those of us who are in Berkeley, it’s not too cold to dress in fall attire. That said, it’s the perfect time of year to pull out our cute autumnal outfits. The orange and red trees that are sprinkled throughout the streets of Berkeley bring me so much joy and make for a great fall photo, too. This Thanksgiving, channel your inner-fall!

It’s the start to the holiday season

Right around Thanksgiving time, towns start to decorate for the holidays. The holiday spirit is truly in the air around this time of year. My family has a tradition of watching a Christmas movie while decorating for December right after Thanksgiving dinner. 

We hope this helps you get in the Thanksgiving spirit and that you now have a newfound appreciation for the holiday. Enjoy the short break from classes and make sure to relax with your loved ones this week if you can. Happy Turkey Day!