We at the Clog love Thanksgiving — from taking a break from schoolwork to spending time with family and, of course, eating delicious food. But even though returning home from school can be relaxing and joyful, there are many dark sides, from running into old high school friends to listening to parents lecture you about your life choices. Here are just some of the thoughts we have during the Thanksgiving break, as told through GIFs.

When you realize you have almost a whole week to relax without class

When you drive through your hometown and see how much has changed

When you walk into your house to greet your parents…

… and they start making you do chores

When you eat your first home-cooked meal in months

When you’ve been home for 10 minutes and can already sense a family fight about to break out

When you see an old classmate on the street

When your next-door neighbor asks how your classes are going

When you run into your high school crush at the grocery store

When you get together with your old squad…

… but everyone is so different, and it’s weird to hear about their lives in college

 When your conservative Uncle Phil makes a jab at the “liberal snowflakes” in Berkeley, and you’re ready to go off on him…

… but your mom asks everyone to please keep it civil, so you bury your frustrations

When your parents ask you about your plans for the future

When Thanksgiving break is over, and you’re ready to get back your life of independence…

… but then you realize finals are in three weeks

We at the Clog know that Thanksgiving break can be a roller coaster of emotions, but we hope everyone takes the time to relax, recharge and remember all the things we have to be grateful for. Happy holidays!

Contact Hannah Nguyen at [email protected].