Freshman Five: How to Friendsgiving the Right Way

'Tis the week of being extra thankful - this Thursday is Thanksgiving, which means you still have time to have a Friendsgiving. Unlike many of my friends, I don't live 30 minutes from campus - I don't have the same opportunities to just pop over to another friend's house in between a game of football and dinner. So, Friendsgiving are pretty necessary in my friend group.

Hosting a Friendsgiving is not only another excuse to spend time with friends, but it adds to the experience in that you're not just spending time with one another - you're spending time together to celebrate your friendships.

Have a Theme | I know this sounds cheesy, but to let's be honest for a minute - if you take it seriously, your friends are more likely to do the same. It doesn't have to be anything super complicated, but if you can't think of anything, feel free to throw up some red and orange streamers and a few crudely hand-turkeys and your friends will think "Hey, you tried."

Potluck Style. For realsies. | You are a college student. Do not try to do everything yourself. I know some people are control freaks in the kitchen. Yes, some people are not helpful outside of making stuffing. But this is a Friendsgiving, not a normal family Thanksgiving, which means you don't have to slave over a turkey for 48 hours - but if that's your style then by all means, have at it.

Invite The Collective People You Want to Be With | I know the phrasing is awkward but there isn't a shorter way to phrase it. The holidays are busy and not everyone is going to be able to come - if two friends can't go, don't invite people for the sake of filling your table. Invite people who 1) you genuinely enjoy spending time with and 2) think would enjoy this Friendsgiving with you and your other friends. If you know from the get-go that they won't get along with your other guests, don't cause yourself the unnecessary stress of dealing with a fist fight over who gets the last bit of stuffing.

Make Something Together | S'mores, popsicle stick frames, hand-turkeys - whatever you decide to do, just do something. This may not apply to everyone (some people just want to do dinner), but I personally believe doing something together as a group (outside of just watching a movie) means better bonding. A different idea is to decorate turkey bags for each other - put everyone's name in a hat, and then you decorate a paper goodie bag with your interpretation of your friend in turkey-form.

Last Minute is for People Who Don't Like Their Friends | Not really, but sort of. Your friends who you haven't seen in months have just arrived and instead of you catching up on how they've been, you're yelling at your significant other about how you can't find the whisk (which is probably buried under the rest of your pots in the sink). The scenario is usually either this or you hiding in the kitchen while you pray your mother-in-law doesn't burst in, asking to help with the pies. A little too adult? You're probably hiding from your boyfriend's best friend's girlfriend-who-you-don't-want-to-make-small-talk-with-but-is-probably-an-okay-person. Potluck style plus taking care of things in advance means you get the most out of your time with your friends - isn't that what Friendsgiving is about?

Have you ever had a Friendsgiving?

xx

Catch you next time.