How do your teeth feel a day after Thanksgiving from all the turkey, potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce and pies?

As an international student living in the US for the first time, Thanksgiving might be strange to you. It is so easy to either get caught up in the celebration and holiday or feel so lonely in this period especially if you do not have family here. However, here are some tips for having a great thanksgiving celebration.

1. Research the history of thanksgiving – For thanksgiving as well as any other celebration, it is helpful to find out the history and how this tradition has evolved over time.
2. Reflect and be thankful– Thanksgiving is a good time to reflect on the past months and make out a list of what you are thankful for such as friends, family, health, support system, job, academics, etc. Reflecting on positive experiences you have had allows your brain to relive those memories
3. Watch out for potlucks – Different organizations/ individuals on GW campus host thanksgiving potlucks and dinners, for example, MSSC Thanksgiving Dinner. Look out for them!
4. Friendsgiving – You can have thanksgiving celebration with friends especially if you have nowhere to go to for thanksgiving. It’s a great time to play games and watch the thanksgiving parade. Reach out to other students staying back in school and plan a Friendsgiving!