Thanksgiving: the kickoff to the holiday season and the final step before Christmas. Many find this holiday cumbersome, with the excessive cooking, cleaning, and dreaded family reunions. Upon going home, you’re bombarded with questions about relationships, grades, and the future, all of which are topics you want to avoid at all costs. But what if I said you could still partake in the marathon eating that defines Thanksgiving and actually enjoy your time too? That’s right. I’m talking about Friendsgiving.
You’ve chosen to surround yourself with these people for a reason. This is your college family, and you should give thanks for their constant support. These are the people that see you at your highest points and your lowest points. These are the people that put up with your impromptu karaoke nights. These are the people that are brutally honest with you, and you still love them anyway. There should be a day dedicated to celebrating their love.
As my first Friendsgiving draws near, I can’t help but get excited. I just imagine all the laughs mixed with the sweet aroma that comes with the classic Thanksgiving dishes. No awkward conversations with that second cousin twice removed about your upcoming graduation. No painful political discussions over the dinner table with your grandmother. It’s just you with your people creating new traditions.
Whether you’re the cooking type or you’d rather go to the local grocery store for a chef-prepared meal, this tradition welcomes all. No matter what, the food will be appreciated. If you slaved over it, your friends will appreciate your time and effort. If you bought it, your friends will appreciate being spared your horrible kitchen skills. Either way, it’s a win.
After the meal, take some quality time to spend with your friends. Play a game, open a fancy bottle of wine, or even take a group nap! After all that turkey, the latter of the three will sound very appealing. Whatever you do, take the time to tell your friends how much they mean to you and how thankful you are that they came into your life. This holiday, above all else, is one based off of love. It’s okay to get cheesy!
Make this year’s Thanksgiving more than the food or the perfect Instagram post. Use Friendsgiving as a warm up for your upcoming adulthood when you have to throw your own Thanksgiving gatherings. It’s a stress-free alternative, after all! And you get to spend it with the people you chose to call family. That in itself is pretty special.
