Thanksgiving seems to be a holiday people tend to overlook, like lying under the shadows of Halloween or Christmas. It’s almost invisible when November 1st hits, and it’s highly underrated. This holiday is pretty short and sweet and simple, but the meaningful moments are grand. Giving thanks and appreciating those around us calls for a celebration, either with family or friends, even if it’s just at the dinner table. There’s beauty in both a traditional Thanksgiving and an intimate Friendsgiving that everyone deserves to experience. Each one makes this holiday so special!Â
Thanksgiving walks calm and composed, but there’s so much running and racing inside. The kitchen is crowded with pots, pans, utensils and more, and overflowing with aromas of food and desserts. Timers are going off, soft music is playing, and it’s a little hot and stuffy too. It’s a blissful chaos after all. For me it’s also being the one to drive up to the store when a couple ingredients and things are missing. It’s a burdensome choice for me to not eat a meal before the dinner begins though, so I just go for taste testing the food to make sure it’s good and okay. Throughout the busyness, it’s immense comfort cooking and baking together with my family. The evening approaches when now all we have to do is show up to the table with a cute outfit and enjoy.
Friendsgiving comes with an ease and a lighthearted feel to take the day out of our busy schedules to truly enjoy each other’s company. It’s not just a typical hangout, but celebrating the gratitude that comes with this holiday for each other. A true village is formed on my college campus with friends and classmates that become close-knit. Holidays are special, so to be able to spend them with people outside of family shows great sentiments. Friendsgiving is lowkey since we really do not have to involve ourselves in the mayhem that comes with cooking, but it can be creative. A potluck is normally the way to go and you can switch it up to make it fun by turning it into “bring a board night”. Playing games, watching movies, and having fun is also more than enough.Â
Food is the way to the heart. Sharing a meal with family or friends, at home or at school is meaning in both. Yet, nothing takes away from a traditional Thanksgiving with family. It’s everything in one: good food, love, and fun. A home-cooked meal and the memories shared cannot be replaced by anything else.