Once October 31st passes, too many people tend to transition directly from the spooky spirit of Halloween to the holly-jolly Christmas spirit, leaving Thanksgiving to be skimmed over and forgotten about. Thanksgiving is such an underrated holiday and that shouldn’t be the case. There’s so much to love about this holiday, as it is about food, family, and thankfulness. Here are reasons to be thankful for Thanksgiving.
1. Getting to put your fat pants on and feasting
This might be the best part of Thanksgiving because it's one of the only holidays where it's acceptable to wear sweatpants/stretchy pants. If you're really feeling the feasting, you could even pull a Joey and wear maternity pants. No one will judge you.
2. Making food
Sometimes, this is even better than eating the food. It's rewarding and entertaining, depending on your company in the kitchen. If you're like me, you cook and eat, so it's rewarding and delicious.
3. Time with the ones you love
Time to get sentimental and sappy, because this holiday really is about giving thanks and being with the ones you love. Whether it's friends, family, or a nice combination of both, it's a time to get together and share some memories.
4. FOOTBALL
Watching football on Thanksgiving is one of the best traditions, because who doesn't love stuffing his/her face while watching other people be sporty? If you need a break from your family, this is the perfect opportunity to just plop down in front of the TV and tune everyone else out. It's good to know that the NFL always has your back for entertainment on this holiday.
5. That food coma you get after you stuff your face with turkey
Yet another reason to love Thanksgiving: it's one of the only holidays where napping is not only okay to do, but it is expected and highly encouraged. Shoutout to turkey and the excessive amount of carbs we eat during Thanksgiving for putting us all in food comas. It really is a great thing!
6. Pie...so much pie
Let's not forget about dessert, aka PIE! There's pumpkin pies, apple pies, pecan pies, and probably others as well. If you're really lucky, you'll have a variety at the table so you can "sample" each type. And when I say sample, I mean take a huge slice of each flavor because who cares about calories on Thanksgiving? Treat yo'self.
7. Leftovers for days
As if you didn't have enough to eat on the actual holiday itself, Thanksgiving leaves you with leftovers that will probably last you a few days. There's often a fight for who gets to eat the best leftover food, like the mashed potatoes or stuffing, because let's face it, no one fights over the cranberry mush. It's always a tragedy when your favorite food is the first to be gone, though. Also, remember to never eat Ross's post-Thanksgiving "Moist Maker" Sandwich.
8. Thanksgiving TV specials
Friendsgiving, the SNL thanksgiving specials, Charlie Brown, etc. Those are just a few of the TV specials you only get to witness once a year. Take them all in before they're gone.
9. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Because who doesn't love a giant inflatable Pikachu floating above Manhattan? The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is one of the oldest traditions that really gets everyone into the holiday spirit. From the unique floats to the incredible performers, the three-hour-long parade (yes, you read that right) is always a holiday favorite. Plus, it's perfect to watch while you're cooking up that feast.
10. Black Friday and the chaos
You go to shop or you go to watch people shop. Either way, it's entertainment like no other. There's the people who have literally camped for days and run through the doors to get their door buster TV's on mega-sale. Or, there's the crazy herd of girls pushing and shoving their way around Victoria's Secret for those half-priced bras and yoga pants. This is the day when everyone's true colors emerge.
11. Did I mention the food?
But seriously, who doesn't love insane amounts of food? It's a day dedicated to stuffing yourself full like a Thanksgiving turkey with the best home cooking. Can it really get better than that? The answer is no.
12. No school (always a plus)
Thanksgiving is just another reason for schools to cancel class. Time do your happy dance, because this means no homework for at least four days. Let's all give thanks to that!
13. One step closer to Christmas
We all know what comes after Thanksgiving...CHRISTMAS! Thanksgiving is the mark that Christmas is quickly approaching and that's pretty darn exciting, if you ask me. Go ahead, break out the Christmas tree the day after thanksgiving...just don't do it beforehand.