“Friendsgiving” is exactly what it sounds like Thanksgiving, but instead of family, it’s with your friends. I started doing Friendsgiving four years ago when I was in my senior year of high school because my parents and younger brother were out of town for a hockey tournament. Since then, it’s become a fixture of my holiday traditions and every year the festivities keep getting bigger and better. Here are just a few reasons why you should try throwing a Friendsgiving of your own some time!
It brings everyone together
Sometimes it’s hard to stay in touch with your high school friends, but there’s no better time to catch up with your hometown besties than the holidays and reading week! Friendsgiving is also a great time to introduce different groups of friends to each other. The more the merrier and besides, who could turn down a free meal?
You get to make your own traditions
Hosting your own Thanksgiving means you get to set the rules. Forget about that stuffy dress code or the casserole your mom makes every year that no one eats. At my Friendsgiving, we have a place card guessing game and a hodgepodge of all different cuisines. There is of course always turkey, but there are also other non-traditional thanksgiving foods, like samosas and spin dip.
No judgment or high expectations
The holidays can be a stressful time, especially when you know you’ll be getting the third degree from your parents and distant relatives. When you’re in the dumps or feeling lost in school or your personal life, there’s no better listener than a friend. They’re the perfect sounding board and person to pump you up in your time of need.
Learning How to Adult
After you’ve cooked for 25 people you can do anything. I mean my mom still stuffs the turkey, but I pull it out when it’s done and carve it, so that’s progress, right?
Making Your Own Family
Even if you want to, sometimes you won’t be able to make it home for the holidays. Hosting a Friendsgiving with your Waterloo family is the best solution when you’re feeling homesick. Family means something completely different to everyone and as we’re getting older, starting our own lives and living in new places, it’s important to find your people.