Mya Sedwick, Campus Carrier staff writer

Leaves crunching beneath brown boots as you walk across campus, eyes squinting while you move against the wrath of the cold front which is slowly encroaching upon the autumnal season. It’s truly no wonder, with weather like this anyways, why people seem so eager to ignore one of the greatest American holidays: Thanksgiving. 

Personally, once Halloween – yet another contender in the race for the title of “Favorite Holiday” – is finished, I am ecstatic knowing Thanksgiving rapidly approaches. I will go so far as to say I am dumbfounded by my fellow classmates and friends who neglect the fine holiday which precedes their precious Christmas. November 1st marks the beginning of a month which should be dedicated as a time where we give thanks for the present rather than rushing into the future, where people seem to be only concerned with the gifts they will be receiving. 

A Thanksgiving pro, and probably the most compelling Christmas con, at least in my book, is the obnoxious music people seem keen on blaring before the month of December even begins. While I will admit there are beautiful Christmas songs, mostly hymns, I do not generally appreciate the child-like nature of the music that seems to overwhelm the holiday. 

Of course, if I am discussing Thanksgiving, I have to mention the food. After all, it is the best part about the holiday. This time of year seems to provide peak comfort for most people. The weather is cool enough to wear sweaters and maybe even a scarf, but it is not typically frigid like the weather that can be associated with the winter. Food served at Thanksgiving dinner is truly no different. With the wide array of mashed potatoes, noodles, casseroles, turkey, gravy and the range of enticing desserts, you are bound to feel a level of comfort only able to be achieved on this holiday. 

There is however, one unsatisfying aspect of this fall holiday: the seasonal coffee. Christmas is lucky enough to have exciting flavors like peppermint mocha, eggnog, and my personal favorite, the Caramel Brûlée Latte. Unfortunately, Thanksgiving gets stuck with the standard pumpkin spice latte, which if you have ever had one, can be sorrowfully disappointing. The seasonal coffee drink industry is a rather large contributor to the holiday inequality witnessed each year. I understand that the Christmas season brings about flavors more easily incorporated into coffee drinks, but it would be nice to at least see an effort on the industry’s part. 

Finally, Thanksgiving is a time for the American family to gather around the table, in the kitchen, on the couches in the living room, and engage in lively conversation and of course a few light squabbles. Sharing a homecooked meal with the ones you love has a sort of healing power for the soul, especially if you are a college student. 

Heed my words when I say, take the time to enjoy this often-overlooked holiday. Spend the time with your family, laughing and talking and stuffing your face. Christmas is nice, but Thanksgiving innately superior.