Thanksgiving Break is always a much needed break from school for everyone. For both teachers and students. It gives everyone the opportunity to relax, go out, eat some delicious food, and spend time with their friends and family. 

This year, my Thanksgiving break was a tight packed schedule with both ups and downs. I was able to see many people I haven’t seen since they left for college, but was not able to save my bank account from the horrors it witnessed on Black Friday. Reflecting on both the ups and downs of my Thanksgiving break adventures, I was able to rank my top five, note-worthy quests, and list them below:

1. Christkindl

This was actually my first time visiting the Christkindl Market, so it was definitely a new experience. There was food, laughter, people, and Christmas lights. Although I did not go to the market in the city of Chicago, the Aurora one gave almost the exact same experience, but allowed me to avoid the crowds and long lines. I was even able to get their 2023 souvenir mug- two of them in fact- one filled with hot, steaming apple cider, and the other filled with rich hot chocolate. I also tried a fresh Raclette sandwich, and if I’m being honest, I am not a fan of cheese, but this sandwich hit the spot perfectly. I definitely recommend Christkindl to anyone, and the only negative is the cold weather, but you just have to dress accordingly and the hot drinks will do the rest.

2. Friendsgiving

This friendsgiving was an extremely notable one because I was able to spend time with people that I haven’t seen since May. I was able to feast on a plethora of food options including 3 different types of mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, mini cheesesteak sandwiches, chili, chicken wings, mini cheesecakes, and to top it off, a Portillos chocolate cake. After eating, we made a bonfire in the woods and camped out. Although it was absolutely freezing outside, the fire and blankets were able to keep me warm, and it was refreshing to spend time with everyone.

3. Ramsay’s Kitchen

As most people have heard, Ramsay’s Kitchen recently opened in Downtown Naperville, which means I definitely had to try it out. Although it was not my first time eating there, I got a different dish than before which makes it a whole different flavor and food experience. The first time I was there, I ordered their scallops, which of course, were cooked exactly to the level I would expect Gordon Ramsay to cook them to: perfection. This time, we ordered the tuna tartare and the chicken milanese which once again, met my high expectations. Definitely worth the price.

4. Black Friday Shopping

I would definitely rank my black Friday shopping much higher in my list, if it weren’t for the money I spent. Don’t get me wrong, I love shopping, but the prices are always unreasonably high. I had some good finds at the Oakbrook Mall, but Black Friday is a whole money making scheme manipulating people of all ages to buy their products, making it seem like a great deal. On one online store, the original prices of their jewelry was $15, but for Black Friday, boosted the price to $50, took 90% off, and priced their sale to $5. This made people think that the sale was a once in a lifetime opportunity, which in reality, it’s just a scam. However, I can’t argue because I also fall victim to the sales of Black Friday because of my addiction to buying clothes.

5. Bowling

Last but not least I have bowling. Don’t get me wrong, bowling is fun. But if you’re like me and not exactly a professional bowling enthusiast, it can be a bit…rough. The social aspect and the bowling experience itself was fun, but for me, it isn’t the best activity when I’m in the Christmas/winter mood. One of the good parts that came out of this experience was the chicken wings and the coupon I had. I basically got two rounds of bowling free. The wings were a solid 8.5/10 and definitely satisfied my hunger at the moment.

Overall, the majority of my Thanksgiving was spent with friends and family which is exactly what it is for. It made me even more ready for Christmas break, which I hope will come as quickly as possible.