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Mount Marty Thanksgiving Break: How Lancers Spend Their Time Off

As the fall semester hits its final stretch and the air in Yankton turns crisp, Mount Marty students start looking forward to one of the most anticipated pauses of the school year—Thanksgiving Break. After weeks of classes, practices, labs, late-night study sessions, and the overall grind of college life, the break offers a perfect chance to unwind, recharge, and reconnect.

Heading Home: Family, Food, and Familiar Faces

For many Lancers, the highlight of Thanksgiving Break is returning home. Whether it’s a short drive across South Dakota or a long haul from out of state, students look forward to:

• Home-cooked meals (a welcome change from cafeteria routines)

• Catching up with family and siblings

• Reuniting with hometown friends

• Relaxing in their own bed — something Mount Marty students never take for granted after dorm life

Of course, Thanksgiving Day itself is a staple. Students dive into turkey, mashed potatoes, pie, football on TV, or even a family board game marathon.

Student-Athletes: “Break” Doesn’t Always Mean Break

At MMU, many sports are in season—or prepping for the next one—so some athletes stay on or near campus. Track and Field athletes might get light workouts assigned, while basketball and wrestling teams could have practices or competitions.

Even if they travel home, athletes often spend part of their break:

• Training

• Getting extra rest

• Catching up on recovery and nutrition

• Running through team assignments or film

It’s a balance between enjoying the holiday and staying ready for the season.

Catching Up (or Getting Ahead) Academically

Because Thanksgiving hits just before finals season, plenty of students use the downtime to:

• Finish papers or projects

• Prepare presentations

• Review notes

• Get organized before finals week chaos hits

Whether it’s by the fireplace at home or at a quiet local coffee shop, it’s a chance to breathe and focus without the daily class schedule.

Seasonal Traditions and Local Fun

Many MMU students take advantage of being home by:

• Going to local holiday events

• Starting Christmas shopping

• Visiting small-town holiday parades

• Watching Christmas movies way earlier than they’ll admit

Some even make a quick trip back to Yankton early to enjoy the peaceful, quiet campus before everyone returns.

Returning Recharged

By the time students return to Mount Marty, the campus feels refreshed. There’s a renewed sense of energy—finals are near, yes, but so is winter break. Thanksgiving serves as that perfect mid-semester reset that helps students push through the last couple weeks.

Upcoming Home Events: 
Women's Basketball at 6pm on Tuesday followed by Men's Basketball at 7:45pm! 

Shout outs: 
Basketball teams for getting HUGE wins last week!!

Go follow the Instagram page: mmuhallwayhighlights! Here you can send in story ideas, vote on polls and maybe even be interviewed for the stories for next year!! 

Stay tuned, and more importantly stay true!