It’s that time of year again, holiday season. And while this year is going to be looking a little different than it ever has before, there is still room for plenty of activities, decorating and good food. 

Are you the type of person who puts up their Christmas tree the day after Halloween, or do you wait until after everyone eats all their turkey? This is an infamous debate between Americans. Immediately after the jack-o-lanterns are put away the ornaments and the stockings come out. But what about the turkeys in between? The stuffing, the pumpkin pie, green bean casserole, everyone has a favorite Thanksgiving delicacy they only get once a year. 

I am here to advocate for Thanksgiving. Let’s save our Christmas decorations for the day after, at least. I know there is great debate over which holidays are the best, but I firmly believe that Thanksgiving is one of the greats. 

Many Americans experience stress during the holiday season, and most say that it begins on Thanksgiving. I think so many people detest the holiday because it’s the beginning of the end. The first time you come home from college since move-in day, the first time you see family since maybe the summer time, panicking as you start to buy gifts for loved ones during Christmas. Only to be followed by weeks of worry as Christmas approaches. 

What we are forgetting is that this year Thanksgiving is going to look different. This year we are not able to see family members like we would in the past. Stores are not open all those extended hours like they were last year. Black Friday deals are fewer and far apart. Do you know what this means? The stress of Americans should hopefully be reduced. You don’t want to see that one particular uncle this year? Guess what? You can’t anyways. 

Personally, I think it is important to celebrate Thanksgiving. A day to be able to stop and give thanks for all of the good things you have in life. In a year where 2020 has seemed to beat us back more with each passing day, I encourage everyone to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday. Psychology Today says that over 60% of Americans would rather think about anything else other than what they are grateful for. They would rather read a book, watch football, play with a pet, or even sit on their smartphone. While the world faces new trials every day, it’s healthy to take just a minute and give thanks for the good that you still have in your life. 

May your home be filled with smells of delicious food and laughter from whomever you live with. We may not be able to have huge dinners with all of our extended family, but it is important to cherish the people we do have in our lives.