Ever wonder why Thanksgiving is possibly the least hyped holiday of the year? Probably because no one focuses on anything other than the boring old turkey that no one actually likes. Besides seeing family there is so much more to love about this time of year. Thanksgiving is so much more than dry turkey and and a Christmas cockblock, and here are a few reasons why you should love this holiday as much as any other (unless you're Chandler Bing, he has a valid reason to hate on Thanksgiving).

1. Having a break from school

After a long 3 months of putting our blood, sweat, and tears into tests, essays, and group projects, we finally get to enjoy some down time.

2. Seeing your best friends

Listening to all the crazy things your friends have done since you all left each other is bound to generate a few "WTF's" and "I wish I was there to see that happen." There's nothing better than sitting on your best friends couch surrounded by food and wrapped in blankets.

3. Seeing your best friends parents and/or siblings

You're over their house so often you're basically a part of the family, and their parents are just as excited to see you as if they were your own.

4. Pies

Pecan, Pumpkin, Apple. Take your pick, all go great with a side of vanilla ice cream.

5. Dressing cute

If your family is anything like mine, then you've been digging through your closet for the past three weeks looking for a cute outfit to wear even though you're all gonna feel trapped within your clothes once dinner is over.

6. Seeing your pets!!!!

There is nothing, let me repeat, NOTHING, better than the reaction from your pets when they see you pull into the driveway. Cuddling with them as you allow yourself to forget all the work you were assigned over break is considered an ideal day.

7. Making a Christmas/Hanukkah list

A family tradition in my household is to have our Christmas list prepared by Thanksgiving, making the hype for Thanksgiving all the more real.

8. Side dishes

Forget the basic mashed potatoes and stuffing, there's a special green bean casserole, broccoli and cheese cracker casserole, mashed sweet potatoes with pumpkin marshmallows on top, some type of crazy but delicious brussel sprout dish, and so much more. I don't like eating the actual turkey, so i live for the variety of side dishes at my house.

9. Sleeping in your own bed for a weekend

Once you climb into the comforts of your own bed, you don't want to go back to your crappy college bed for another month before winter break allows you to reunite again.

10. Black Friday/Cyber Monday

Whether you're doing the shopping yourself, just tagging along to make sure your friend/sibling doesn't get trampled, or being a happy clicker, this is the perfect time to treat yourself and get all your christmas gifts.

11. Once it's over, it's socially acceptable to play Christmas music

It's almost an instinct to play Christmas music as soon as Halloween is over, but it's not socially acceptable to actually start playing it aloud until Thanksgiving has come to a close. Hence, one of the best reasons to be excited for Thanksgiving is actually to be excited for it to be over.