Opinion
Thankfulness abounds this season
November 18, 2011
Thanksgiving is only a week away now, and it is time you know the true meaning and importance of the holiday. OK, maybe you already know about the pilgrims landing at Plymouth Rock. You should; you are in college. But among the turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie, it can be easy to forget being thankful for what and who you have in your life. This is why you have me to tell you exactly what and who you should thank on Nov. 24 this year.
First, you should thank me. Because if it were not for me, well, then you would quite frankly have no clue what to be thankful for.
Second, you should be thankful for your roommate. They are like Santa Claus: they see you when you are sleeping, they know when you are awake, and always, they know when you are bad or good. But who else would you go to when you leave your keys in the commons or hanging on the hook inside the room? If they put up with you staying up until a ridiculous hour on a school night, giggling at a funny text, or talking to the computer, then they deserve a big pat on the back. And besides, you never really know when you are going to come back one night to them talking to themselves in Japanese. Trust me, it happens.
Third, you should obviously be thankful for pumpkin pie. Forget the turkey and gravy; the pumpkin pie is obviously the best part of the Thanksgiving meal. Do not deny it. It is my favorite holiday dessert. Pumpkin pie is delicious and it warms the soul. Never go a Thanksgiving without having a soul-warming slice of pumpkin pie.
You should also be thankful for your parents. They are the only two people that will be willing, at your request, to carry a heavy futon up three flights of stairs and spend close to two hours setting it up. They are the ones that know you best. You can always depend on your parents to give you food or a little extra cash, because they understand that you are broke. Sure, they can push your buttons, who doesn’t experience that? But you would have nothing without your parents. In fact, you would not even exist.
Fifth, thank your Resident Assistant. Because, yes, it is quiet hours. Go to bed.
You should also be thankful for the fact that the next major holiday after Thanksgiving is Christmas. I don’t care what anyone says: it is never too early for Christmas spirit. It is one of the happiest times of the year.
Be thankful for Black Friday. There is no better day in the entire year for sleeping in.
Be thankful for music. Whether you are musically gifted or not, it makes life more interesting. Life would be very dull and horrible if music was not around, whether it’s band, choir, or Bruno Mars.
Finally, be thankful for all of your family and friends. They are the ones who love you the most, the ones who will let you crash at their dorm to do homework or feed you Ramen when your keys and card are missing. You are able to be yourself and act crazy around them and not have them wonder whether you are insane. They are there to talk to when you need them most. You just cannot ask for more.
That is just a few of the many things that you should be thankful for this holiday season. Don’t forget to thank the people, things and edible items that matter the most. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Cristin Dempsey is an English major and music minor from Eagan, Minn. She enjoys writing, playing the flute and swimming. After college she would like to pursue a career as an editor.