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THANKSGIVING IN HOUSTON: COLLEGE-FRIENDLY THINGS TO DO

Garcilia Sozinho Student Contributor, University of Houston
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UH chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Are you in college and spending your first Thanksgiving away from family? Or are you looking for budget-friendly, meaningful activities to do in Houston on this day? If so, you’re in the right place. Right after Halloween and before Christmas, Thanksgiving is that holiday where college students might not know what to do, especially if they can’t spend it at home. So, if you will be in Houston, here are simple but enjoyable ideas for this day.

HOST A FRIENDSGIVING

Hosting a friendsgiving is more than just inviting your college friends over and eating turkey; it’s an opportunity to connect, appreciate one another, show gratitude, and much more. It’s a moment for union and celebration of those who bring joy to your life. 

On Friendsgiving, you can cook and bake together, play fun games, watch classic movies, and most importantly, enjoy the time with great company. Gather your friends, get some cute Thanksgiving decor, dress up, and have fun! If you need easy recipes for what to cook on Thanksgiving, here are some suggestions that you can also adapt for cooking in your dorm:

GO TO THE THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE 

The H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade will be on November 27 at 9 a.m. in downtown Houston. From what I’ve heard, it’s going to be super fun. Going to a Thanksgiving parade is a unique and amazing way to spend this holiday, and a perfect way to sense the real spirit of giving thanks for the blessings. It will be a great opportunity to watch some live performances, enjoy the event with friends, meet new people, and express gratitude within the community. The parade is free, so it’s an extremely budget-friendly option for college students, and you can get there by taking the MetroRail.

THANKSGIVING DAY VOLUNTEERING 

Thanksgiving is the best holiday to get involved in activities that positively impact communities and our city. Volunteering on this day is a way to help others, express your gratitude, and change society for the better. In Houston, you can participate in Operation Turkey and help prepare and deliver meals to people experiencing homelessness in the city.

Additionally, you can also join church-organized volunteering, such as the WABC Thanksgiving Service Project and Hope City Thanksgiving Super Feast, to contribute to making a change in people’s lives.

I hope that these ideas help you decide what to do on Thanksgiving Day (in Houston), and that your day is as fun and memorable as this holiday.

GarcĂ­lia is a junior at the University of Houston, majoring in Economics with a minor in Business Administration. She loves swimming, working out, and spending time in nature to recharge. Her passion for writing began during her freshman year of college, and she hopes to contribute to the community by sharing her unique experiences and perspectives. With a love for beauty and wellness, she is excited to bring fun and authenticity to her writing.