Taking Back Thanksgiving Break: The Need for a Full Week Off

Students, exhausted from the endless stream of assignments, tests, and practices, count down the days till Thanksgiving break like it is their last bit of hope. But is it really a break if it only lasts a mere three days? It begins to feel like a tease rather than a true rest for their tired minds and bodies. In reality, the Monday and Tuesday of that week are a blur for students and teachers just trying to cram instruction into a two-day week. Minds are already on holiday travel and delicious Thanksgiving feasts with family, resulting in students being too distracted to learn, assuming they even show up for the two days. So why not give everyone the full week off?

“I don’t even remember what we do in class that week,” said junior Calysta Romero. “So many people are absent or just not focused at all. It feels so pointless.”

The truth is, those two extra days could be just what students need to come back to school refreshed and ready to learn. While it may not seem significant, a full week could be extremely beneficial in offering students and teachers alike a chance to get some much-needed rest before finals season begins. The end of November is commonly linked to feelings of extreme burnout and academic exhaustion, so by rewarding students and faculty with a week-long break, we are able to combat some of those feelings. 

“My whole family comes to town for Thanksgiving every year, and it is disappointing to not be able to spend as much time with them,” said junior Ryan Sayal. “I feel like I focus on school so much; it'd be nice to just get one week to think about something else.” 

Family bonding and quality time with loved ones are other prominent factors to consider when looking at the need for an extended break. Many students have expressed feelings of loneliness and isolation, which are only heightened when there is less time available to spend with friends and family. Mental health matters, and a longer break would give families more time to travel and reconnect without the worry of missing school or work. 

Schools put an emphasis on wellness, and this is a simple way to show they mean it. Again, Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, and what better way to show it than by giving students and staff the time they need to truly rest?

Longing for Leisure//Calling for a longer break, students are arguing that the current break doesn't allow for enough time to recharge and rest. As the pressure of academics increases, extending this break could be a simple step in helping mental health. (Photo by Milana Garza)