Thanksgiving blues
/Making the best of spending the holidays away from home.
Thanksgiving is a time that most students look forward to because it means they get to spend time at home with family and friends. Unfortunately, for some students from across Canada and from abroad, going home for the holidays just isn’t an option.
Usually, it’s not for lack of trying to leave that students from out of province choose to stay in Antigonish. With such a short break for Thanksgiving and the high costs of plane and bus tickets, it’s just not feasible to go home for the few days Xaverians have off.
It’s not just missing out on the opportunity to travel and to leave campus that leaves Thanksgiving lackluster to those remaining behind. It’s the family traditions, getting to see friends and family pets, and sleeping in your own bed that makes going home worthwhile. Being on a Skype call to “eat” Thanksgiving dinner with family and friends just isn’t the same as being there in person.
Luckily, there are ways to make the holidays on campus enjoyable if you’re feeling a bit homesick. Every year, before the long weekend begins, Sodexo hosts a Thanksgiving Feast at Morrison Hall. It’s the best time to grab a few friends and enjoy some of the classic Thanksgiving food, especially if you need to use up some meal hall swipes.
If you know a few people that are sticking around during the holidays, you can band together and have your own Thanksgiving. It’s a good way to keep spirits up, make new traditions, and it will give you the opportunity to brag about your cooking skills to your parents. As well, some residences organize potlucks or dinners, so be sure to keep an eye out for those events.
However, if you’re more of an introvert or don’t feel like going to the trouble of organizing a big dinner, the long weekend is the ideal time to enjoy the quiet on campus. It’s the perfect opportunity to catch up on a Netflix series or two, eat some comfort food, and get on top of coursework with midterms right around the corner.
While being away from home during Thanksgiving isn’t ideal, you can still find ways to enjoy the holidays in Antigonish. Plus, Christmas break is just around the corner, so you’ll be seeing your loved ones sooner than you think.
