As the well-deserved fall break approaches, students are preparing to get in some last-minute quality time with their friends before they head home. Friendsgiving is a great way for students and even clubs and organizations to grow closer. If you’re out of ideas for ways to add your own spark or cheapskate your way into some fun, here are some suggestions that are sure to make your event stand out.
Themed Parties
No matter what time of year it is, themed parties are always sure to get people talking and keep the spirits alive. There are so many fall themes such as Peanuts, Gilmore Girls, Dear White People, Heartstopper, etc. You can coordinate dressing up as your favorite character with your friends, decorate your dorm or apartment and play fun games dedicated towards your media of choice. This is a fun way to get to know your friends more and share some stomach-turning laughs over dinner.
A group who bakes together… Stays together!
Instead of simply bringing food to the potluck, you can bake your favorite meals with friends! This way, everyone can chip in towards the basic ingredients and have some tasty baked goods for dessert! This can be the perfect way to unwind. After the mountain of projects and exams, students could benefit from some slow baking moments with their friends. This can also be a team-building moment and a way to show off your own creativity. To make it more interesting, you can make cultural baked goods with your friends. This can create deeper personal connections as you bond through cultural inspiration.
Get in… We’re going to the city!
There are several free turkey events in the city to prep you for the holiday and to explore the richness of Philly. Here are some recommendations:
6ABC Dunkin Donuts Philadelphia Parade
The route begins on 19th St. and John F. Kennedy Blvd and continues past the Parkway of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Volunteering
Operation Turkey Philadelphia: This is a free volunteering opportunity that prepares meals by smoking turkeys at The Common Place.
Broad Street Love: This is a meal and clothing drive that operates during Thanksgiving week. These are great ways to give back and strengthen the integrity of an organization for free.
Free Attractions
Historical landscapes such as the Independence Hall, The Liberty Bell Center, and the Independence National Historical Park can be fun trips for new college students who want to explore the city or a chance to reminisce with friends. It also creates a deep appreciation for the history of Philadelphia.
There are also some pay-for-pay events at sites like Eventbrite, such as workshops, Friendsgiving venues, and creating centerpieces.
As you eagerly count the days until break, make sure that somewhere in-between you think of ways to curate core memories that’ll last a lifetime and save you some extra coins. Take some inspiration from popular movies or TV shows to show off your personality and relive your childhood dreams. Get together and take it easy while baking with your friends, even incorporating your own flair through cultural recipes. Take the opportunity to explore more Philadelphia, old and newcomers alike, and remember to give back to those that don’t have the same privileges as us this year.
As we take time to reflect on our first semester and prepare for a well-deserved break, go out and use these few moments to cherish those in your circle or organization. Build a sense of community, gratefulness, and kindness by tapping into your creativity and heart. Cheers to the last moments of fighting for your life finishing assignments and to the moments you’ll keep hearted in your camera roll. Let’s eat!