Let's Have Thanksgiving Everyday | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Relationships

Let's Have Thanksgiving Everyday

It's more than a turkey, it's a mindset.

20
Let's Have Thanksgiving Everyday
architectureartdesigns.com

Can I be honest? Before leaving for college, Thanksgiving didn't seem like a huge deal. Don't get me wrong, pausing and reflecting is good. Spending time with family is good. Being thankful is good and green bean casserole is really good, but besides the massive amount of food and a ritzy parade, it seems like any other day. But college changed that. Being away from home changed that. Being away from family changed that.

This is the fourth year that I'll be away from my family on Thanksgiving, and while that makes me very sad, it also makes me realize that I'm lucky to have people to miss. Too often we save up all of our thankfulness for a single Thursday in the year, in fact we usually only use the word "thankful" around this time of year. But Thanksgiving is more than a prayer or a meal -- it's a verb. Thanksgiving is active, it makes change, and it's engaged all year long.

Thanksgiving is expressed through words of affirmation; words that uplift and encourage. It's the "I love you's" and the "I miss you's" over the phone. It's the day-to-day silly Snapchats and quick texts. Thanksgiving is the small surprises that come in the mail unexpectedly from your mom. It doesn't matter if it's just a refill of your multivitamins, a care package is a care package and they're always welcome. It's sending your sibling a birthday gift in the mail and FaceTimeing as they open it. Thanksgiving is big hugs when you make a trip home for a long weekend. It's snuggling up in big cozy blankets watching a good movie. Thanksgiving is offering to wash dishes on a boring Monday, not just after a family feast. It's running the errands and doing chores for the sole purpose of being a blessing. Thanksgiving is quality time with people you love. It's movie dates, random adventures, going out to eat, and just having lazy days. Thanksgiving is the teary airport goodbyes after time home. It's the last minute hugs before getting in line for security and the waves as you get farther and farther away.

While a Thanksgiving meal is a grand way to sit and be thankful for the blessings in our lives, it's not enough to limit our gratitude to a single meal. Thanksgiving is much more than a day of football, a New York parade, a busy kitchen, and a table full of food, it is a way of life.

Before moving away to college, there were many things I took for granted. Family, friends, home-cooked meals, and the quirkiness of "home" as a whole. Distance has shown me the everyday blessings in my life and how to celebrate Thanksgiving 365 days a year.

"Give Thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever."
1 Chronicles 16:34
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

18621
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

7914
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

5787
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

5007
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments