A few things are certain on the fourth Thursday in November: waistbands will expand, relatives will be hugged, gigantic balloons will float in front of Macy's and homework will take a backseat to food.
University of Memphis students have a full plate ahead of them later this week as they look forward to bellying up to the table and eating to their heart's content.
"Turkey, turkey dressing, casseroles, vegetables, deviled eggs and more pies than anyone can eat," said John Burgess, junior nursing major, describing the spread at his aunt's house.
Maggie Norville, sophomore communication major said her family follows all the traditions.
"My mom always brings cranberry sauce and my grandmother always makes turkey, green bean casserole and sweet potatoes," she said of the food that could help freshmen gain their annual 15 lbs. in one sitting.Although the table will be filled with comfort food, students take comfort in the often-rare presence of family.
"I think this year we may have 10 (people)," said Cliff Nolen, sophomore undecided. "Over the years it has changed and the family is spread out. We don't all live in Memphis."
"We eat with the special dinnerware that we use like once a year," he said.
At Burgess' aunt's house, he gets to see everyone at once, unlike the rest of the year.
"I see most of them generally, (Thanksgiving) is a time when all get together," he said. "So it's nice."
Kenesha Hence, sophomore biology major, looks forward to seeing her extended family, a chance she may get only a few times per year.
"I get to see uncles, aunts and cousins that I don't normally get to see on a regular basis," she said. "It's always at my grandmother's and we'll just get together, have a lot of fun and joke around with each other."
Hence says a staple in her Thanksgiving Day is the parades. She and her smaller cousins both like the balloons.
Nolen's TV is tuned to something a bit more violent than balloons and floats.
"We basically just eat and watch football," he said. "I'm a Dolphins fan, but they're not doing so well this year."
For those who want to try different foods, watch different games and enjoy other people, Nolen knows just what to do.
"One time, when I was in high school, I knew this guy and he said that he and his buddies would go house to house just eating all day long," he said. "I was like 'Man that's weird'."
