Thanksgiving “Break” is Such a Tease

It’s that time of the fall semester.

Thanksgiving is less than one week away. I am a mix of feeling extremely overwhelmed by the assignments that all seem to be due the Monday after and grateful to have a couple of days of “break.”

Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite times of the year. For as long as I can remember, my father’s side of the family gathers every year for a mini family reunion, Thanksgiving potluck. Most of my dad’s family is in North Carolina, so the location of the meal rotates each year. This year was supposed to be at my aunt’s house because she moved in last year and wanted to have a large gathering. For obvious reasons, that’s not happening this year. There will be no large gatherings, no potlucks, and no taking pictures of me holding my little cousin at whatever angle she wants (a more recent tradition between us).

This year, I will be spending the holiday with my mom. I’ll be with her, and we will be perfectly content eating, hanging out, and watching The Crown next weekend.

Before graduate school, Thanksgiving was always a time where I could actually take a break from school and work. My family could do all of the typical Thanksgiving/Black Friday traditions, and my schoolwork rarely crossed my mind.

Since starting graduate school, that has changed. Those couple of days off are a tease. All assignments seem to be due right after we all return to class. How can I take a real break when I need to be ready for the following week? I tend to spend more time siloed in my room, working on papers or presentations due the following week. My mind is less focused on spending time with family and more on trying to get through the last few weeks of classes. I miss the days of traveling to and from my family’s homes, chatting and laughing into the wee hours of the morning.

Now I feel like a party-pooper.

The day of Thanksgiving is the only time I allow myself not to do any school-related work. It always feels like if I take the whole break off, I’ll get behind. End of the semester papers and presentations creep up on you in the week leading up to Thanksgiving. Then BAM, the following Monday, you have to be prepared to give several class presentations. As much as I try to get as much done before Thanksgiving, I always seem to fall short.

This year I’m even less motivated to spend the time off because there is no large gathering. I won’t be scheming with my cousins to figure out when we can get together. There aren’t any opportunities to do anything other than stay home.

Although there are restrictions in place, I have to remind myself that I shouldn’t use that as an excuse to bury my nose in final assignments and presentations. Don’t get me wrong; they need to get done! But it’s called a “break” for a reason. Academia isn’t the best in rewarding people who take breaks. I have to remember that I promised to allow myself time to recoup and relax when needed.

Here is a reminder for myself (and you, if you need it): After my last class next week, I will be intentional with my time. I will get some work done, but I will not spend the entire break doing work that can wait a few more days to get done. I don’t have to do work the entire time just because I can’t be social and visit family. Play Sims. Watch the Christmas movies you’ve been putting off. TAKE A NAP OR TWO.

Here’s to me (and hopefully you) taking time off and treating a few days next week as an actual break.