Thanksgiving. The one holiday where it’s acceptable to still have pumpkins on your doorstep from Halloween, yet have your Christmas tree lit with ornaments and the nativity scene resting on your dining room table. Time to put on a smile for those crazy relatives you never see, yet whose encounters always make for such good stories. The one meal where you’re encouraged to go back for seconds, thirds, even fourths.

Funny how there’s an entire day devoted to the celebration of one meal, huh? Any holiday that revolves around food sounds like a good holiday to me. You may be fuller than the stuffed turkey roasting in the oven, but every last bite was well worth it. And hey, we’re just another step closer to Christmas.

The 10 reasons why Thanksgiving should be one of your favorite holidays:

1. Food, duh

Whether you load up on the turkey or mashed potatoes, there’s something for everyone. And you always have room for seconds, always.

2. An opportunity to be with friends and family

You don’t realize how much you value family time until you become so enthralled with your busy life that family time is hard to come by. Enjoy being with family and making new memories.

3. Traditions

Whether you follow old family traditions that started with your parents, or you’re making new ones. There’s always something special and unique to each family on Thanksgiving.

4. A BREAK

Whether you’re a high schooler, college student, or working a full-time job, Thanksgiving is a much-needed break. By this point in the year, our brains feel as if they’ve turned into the gravy you’re smothering over the mashed potatoes.

5. You’re one step closer to Christmas

That’s right, you’re nearly one short month away from December 25th. Yes, it is acceptable to play Mariah Carey’s holiday album on repeat during Thanksgiving dinner.

6. The leftovers

Who knew you could do so much with turkey, mashed potatoes, and gravy. Gravy on your eggs? Why not. Apple pie for breakfast? Sure. The possibilities are endless.

7. Reuniting with friends you haven’t seen in awhile

Especially for college students, one of the best things about Thanksgiving break is having your friends home for the holidays. Friendsgiving is a must, I’ll bring the wine.

8. Black Friday shopping

The day after Thanksgiving, starting right as the clock strikes midnight, is a day solely dedicated to crazy sales and discounts at stores nationwide. The Pilgrims and Native Americans may have made peace at their Thanksgiving meal, but there’s a World War III going on at the Wal Mart down the street.

9. Thanksgiving can be celebrated by everyone

Unlike many holidays, Thanksgiving is a holiday unaffiliated with any particular religion. This holiday encourages inclusiveness and togetherness, celebrated by people of all faiths and cultures.

10. It encourages people to be humble and thankful

It’s called Thanksgiving for a reason. Take the time to really appreciate what you’ve been blessed with throughout the year. Many of your blessings are sitting at that dinner table with you. Be humble and be appreciative.

Please pass the rolls.