Thanksgiving Break Tips

November is drawing to a close. Do you know what that means? Vanguard University will be out of school for Thanksgiving break! Before you know it, students and staff will be sitting around the table with their families, eating as much as they can while making memories, laughing, and having a great time. These are things to be thankful for!

Due to it being a short break, not every student will be able to make it home. If this applies to you, and you are going a friend’s house or staying on campus, don’t worry, you still have the chance to have a great break. Just last year, when my family didn’t live in California, I went home with a friend on my floor and had a great time!

Thanksgiving break comes at a critical time in the semester because it isn’t long before our Christmas break and it is only five days long, so here are some tips for you to be able to enjoy your Thanksgiving break to its fullest potential:

1. Relax.

The school environment is stressful and you need some time to yourself to relax. If you do not take this time, then you won’t enjoy the break at all. Our bodies need to recover from the stress of the semester and have time to rest. Take the time that we have to ourselves and away from schoolwork and appreciate it. Part of this relaxing helps us catch up on our sleep!

2. Don’t slack.

Yes, you will be on break but that doesn’t mean disregard your school work. As finals week approaches, it is likely you will have homework and assignments due when you return. Make sure to manage your time wisely, or better yet, accomplish everything before Wednesday. Getting a headstart on your work and finals will only benefit you in the end.

3. Catch up.

Spend quality time with your family and friends! These are the people we are thankful for- those we love and those that love us. Being at college means being separated from loved ones, and this is a time for everyone to catch up. Even if you can’t be at home this Thanksgiving, make sure to enjoy the time with those you do surround yourself with. Make the most of this time and embrace the opportunity to have a different Thanksgiving. Meet your “new family” and do not allow yourself to feel disconnected. If you’re hosting a student unable to go home, make sure to treat them as your own!

4. Eat.

Thanksgiving is typically loaded with food. We need a break from the food we are eating at college. As great as the caf can be, it is always nice to take a break and return to the traditional meals your family prepares. Enjoy the home cooked meals and food that you have been missing while away at school. If you’re at your friend’s house, use this as an opportunity to enjoy the Thanksgiving staples cooked by another family. They could either remind you of your own family’s meal, or offer a new and exciting taste to the holiday!

5. Be thankful.

As cliché as it sounds, this is something we often forget. Finals are coming, Black Friday is around the corner, and all of the loose ends of the semester need to be tied. Be sure to be still and remember you are alive and well. You have almost made it through the semester and are blessed with earning your college education. Be thankful that you have a short break within the last few weeks. Be thankful for all of your loved ones. Be thankful for all the company and food, the time to rest, and the opportunity to attend a university.

Do not forget about the true Giver throughout this holiday season and all the reasons we have to be thankful for Him. Be intentional when giving thanks, as God is intentional with His blessings.

Happy Thanksgiving, and have a wonderful break!