Thanksgiving break, the mini vacation all of us have been waiting for. The week where we can stuff our face while our favorite football team is thriving on the flat screen. The week where in between turkey and pie every family member asks you the famous questions: “what are you doing with your life?” or “why are you majoring in that? or “are you seeing anyone?” when in reality all you want to do is drown yourself in some mashed potatoes instead of answer any personal questions about yourself.

It is the week where all your weird cousins and cocky relatives come to town. Where your aunts pinch your cheeks and your uncles give you noogies. The week where you get to see who let themselves go, who got married, who had a baby and who went through a midlife crisis. Where your parents make you dress up just to sit in a room and eat with people who have most likely seen you in sweats and a hoodie at every other family event. But the family torture almost becomes worth it just because of the homemade food and not having to attend your 8am that day.

Being home for Thanksgiving break becomes very bittersweet, because it is only five days long. Which does not seem like nearly enough, yet, by the end of those five days, you have gained five pounds and are starting to miss your college friends. What students do not remember, is that there is a catch that comes with Thanksgiving break. That is, you still have homework and you still have classes that next Monday. Yes, you are on vacation and yes, you do deserve to eat all that stuffing by yourself for all the great work you have put in this semester but do not forget, the semester is not done. Not only are assignments due over break, they most likely are the most important ones. The reason for this, is because professors realize how much time you have over break to contribute to these whopper papers or projects. So for the sake of all your stress levels do not wait to do them Sunday night. Because after a week of family, friends, and food you will not have the energy.

Now, no one is telling you not to enjoy some relaxation over break, because you should. This is a good time, to catch up on some sleep, to laugh with friends from home, to spend time with family and to eat some amazing food. Just do not forget about your responsibilities.