Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with family and friends and giving thanks for all we have. Unfortunately for many people, drinking alcohol at these gatherings and then driving home can cause DWI arrests, wrecks, and even loss of life. But did you know that the day before Thanksgiving is an even more popular drinking day? Thanksgiving Eve, Drinksgiving, Blackout Wednesday, and Black Wednesday are all names to refer to the day before Turkey Day. This day has become one of the most popular days of the year at bars across the country. Why? We're not sure any data confirms it exactly, but here are some things that may explain it...

People turn to alcohol when they're stressed

Let's be honest... Holidays can be stressful! Cooking, entertaining, cleaning, socializing, tolerating your family for several hours or more, it can sometimes be a joyous yet overwhelming time. Thanksgiving usually has lots of to do list items, and this can sometimes be downright stressful. While alcohol is technically classified as a depressant, many people drink it because it makes them feel relaxed or happy for just a little while. Sometimes it temporarily relieves some stress, and this may be why many people throw back a few the day before a big holiday like Thanksgiving.

Lots of people go home for the holidays and hope to run into old friends at the local drinking hole

Young adults venture back home from college, family members all travel out to MawMaw's house, and busy professionals finally have a few days to catch up with their roots. And all of these folks are excited about seeing the familiar faces they may run into at the bar where they spent many days in the past. Reconnecting with distant friends is a big reason why many socialize and drink the night before Thanksgiving.

Nobody wants to entertain or dirty the kitchen the night before hosting such a big meal

Turkey Day is messy and busy, so the day before sounds like a good time to tidy up and grocery shop but then relax a little. To avoid having to entertain guests or clean house more than once, heading out to a local bar or eatery sounds like a great plan.

Thanksgiving food can help you get over a hangover

There are so many myths about what foods and other items can cure a hangover. But according to a health expert, feeling fonky is just because of dehydration and low blood sugar. She offers some advice on what may help you feel better. "To bring your blood sugar back up to normal, you really just need to eat anything with some carbs, but balance it out with protein or healthy fats to prevent further blood sugar drops." Since Thanksgiving is usually a great opportunity to get starchy and protein-rich foods, enjoying the meal after a night of drinking may have more benefits than simply making you happy to be around loved ones.

Many Americans are off of work the next day

Not everyone is off on Thanksgiving; healthcare employees, restaurant staff, retail workers, and other groups may see Thanksgiving as just any other Thursday. But many people are off on Thanksgiving, and this may be one reason they're more willing to have a few drinks the night before.

Give thanks for getting to the table to gather with family

Enjoy Thanksgiving Eve, and enjoy Thanksgiving. But make sure to do so safely. Don't enjoy alcohol then operate a motor vehicle. One thing more stressful than the holidays is a drunk driving arrest. To find more information about enjoying holidays and other celebrations safely, visit our blog.