It Happens Every Year...

During the end of November, families get together to celebrate the first feast between Pilgrims and Native Americans. OR, you get together with family out of town, eat a ton of food, and sit on the couch while your dad falls asleep watching the never-ending football games. We all have the things we love and things that are not so favorable, but they happen either way. I look forward to the free food and time off from studying for finals approaching but some things...ehh, not so much.

Finding out your mom signed you up to cook a dish.

Why would I want to come home from school to cook on my first break from school?

Worst part, you do it anyways because pleasing your mom is a lot easier than an angry mom.

Grocery. Shopping.

Any kind of shopping this time of year is going to be hectic, but the days before Thanksgiving are crazy. It's like walking through Times Square, NY on New Year's Eve. Except every one is driving carts around like mad men to get the all the food off the shelves.

Having to help prepare the night before.

Even though you only got signed up to prepare the ONE dish, your help is always needed the night before. You're left alone peeling potatoes in the sink thinking of everything else you could be doing. Just wait till you say you're done; your mom will come over and look at all those potatoes and simply say that's not enough to feed the family. God forbid, there just are not enough mashed potatoes to go with the 15 other sides we have for tomorrow.

Being woken up early to watch the parade.

Like watching a parade on TV is what I want to do so early this morning after I stayed up all night helping prepare everything.

Awkward greetings with family members from out of town.

Nothing is more uncomfortable than receiving hugs that include "great to see you" and awkward pats on the back. Let's not get started about the obstacle we face dodging the kiss on the lips from the one aunt who must kiss everyone. YUCK!

Having to put food on your plate that you hate.

My taste buds have not changed and I doubt Aunt Debbie's recipe for her Cranberry Sauce has either. Me not putting it on my plate will not be the worst thing to happen to her ... but your Mom gives you that look and well, you put that sauce on your plate. Yum..

Sitting next to the nosy family member at the table.

Whether you pick seats before anyone or get all the cousins to gang up together and claim their seats as fast as we possibly can; Miss. In-your-business finds her way in.

Never-ending questions about school & my love life.

Let's see ... I'm in college and finals are coming up so that is stressful, especially when I don't know anything about what's going on in my Chemistry class. I do not know when I will be getting married seeing as I barely have time to study between work and school. A social life and wedding bells are far along the road.

The person who judges your lifestyle but calls it "advice."

Unfortunately, Aunt Debbie, the reason I do not have a boyfriend is not because I drink beer with my pie. Maybe, you should have one with your piece; you might be less annoying and get yourself a significant other.

Leftovers for weeks.

Walking into the kitchen to find out the majority of the food left over is turkey and mom will not let you leave the house without taking some home with you. After all, you are the broke college kid in the family.

Not everyone has the perfect holiday but without these people, the holidays wouldn't be the same. Love the time you get to spend with them because before you know it, days like today will be treasured memories. On that note, CHEERS, to eating turkey till Christmas.