For college students, Thanksgiving Break is a beacon of hope that gives us something to hold onto during those late nights in the library. It is a dim light at the end of busy weeks filled with exams, papers and reading. I think all college students could agree that Thanksgiving Break is a time much needed and much anticipated.

I think most college students would agree that returning home and seeing family is one of the best parts of Thanksgiving Break. After spending so much time away from home grinding out school work, it is refreshing to be back in the warm embrace of your mom and dad. Also, they are so happy to have you back that all the attention seems to be on you! Forget the younger siblings who are still at home. Prepare yourself for days of random bowls filled with some of your favorite things, your favorite home-cooked meals and freshly cleaned sheets just waiting your arrival (thanks mom).

Sleep. That is another vital necessity that college students take advantage of over Thanksgiving Break. Students return home looking like zombies and return back to campus looking brand new. It is understood that there is a lot of catching up to do over break. Weeks and weeks have passed filled with early mornings and extremely late nights. Added bonus: let’s not forget about those freshly cleaned sheets I mentioned earlier.

Although Thanksgiving Break is seen as a time for relaxation, it is also a time for work. Over break, lots of students like to play a little game known as “catch-up”. Meaning, catching up on all the reading you haven’t done for that paper due the week you get back from break. Or how about finishing all the math problems your teacher assigned as extra practice for your huge final that seems to approach faster by the minute. Unfortunately, work is an unfortunate reality even over break.

I would not be doing this article correctly if I did not mention the food that comes with Thanksgiving Break. To go from cafeteria food and cheap college food to the feast of all feasts is a transition that makes one’s stomach cry tears of pure joy. Turkey. Cranberry sauce. Stuffing. Green bean casserole. Sweet potato casserole. Cornbread. These are just some of the foods that make college students so excited to return home.

College and professional football. Thanksgiving Break is also a time of great football and even better match-ups. If other college students’ break is anything like mine, then all TVs stay on college or professional football. Thanksgiving just wouldn’t be right without the background noise of football commentators and excited football fans.

College students, we are almost there. The break we are all looking forward to is almost upon us!