5 Ways To Never Forget Your “Friendsgiving”

Photo provided by Olivia Utley.

Photo provided by Olivia Utley.

By Kylie Smith and Mikenna Williams

Thanksgiving, for most, is a time spent with family. For many, family is not only the people who share your DNA, but also those you care about and surround yourself with.

For those of you who will be spending this holiday with your family of friends, here are a few ideas to spruce up your “Friendsgiving.”

Food Outside The Box

Julia Burris, a sophomore community, family and addiction sciences major from Kerrville, Texas, said she and her friends decided to make Mexican food instead of the traditional Thanksgiving spread.

“Being poor college kids, we knew we couldn’t afford the turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, etc. that a Thanksgiving meal should have,” Burris said.

Some realize that for them, Thanksgiving is more than just the food. Mixing it up is a fun, and cheap, way to work on your cooking skills while enjoying a feast with friends.

Chic Dress

While most people view Thanksgiving as a day to wear a big t-shirt and stretchy pants, dressing it up is a good way to differentiate your “Friendsgiving” from just a normal meal with friends.

Bryce Roberts, a sophomore finance major from Sugar Land, Texas, said his friends had a “cocktail chic” dress code for their dinner.

“The reason for this is mainly because the rest of us aren’t able to get the chance to dress up outside of our ACU’s (Army Combat Uniform),” Roberts said.

There are few occasions for college students to dress up in nice outfits, and this is a perfect way to get some use out of the dresses and slacks that do not get worn often.

Potluck Cornucopia

Cooking a meal big enough for multiple people can be stressful. With one person is cooking all of the food, there can be a lot of pressure on his or her shoulders.

If everybody brings their favorite dish, you do not have to worry about not having enough food for everyone. This is also a great way to explore new dishes and to allow everybody to participate in the festivities.

Decoration Inspiration

With many people gathered around in one home, or wherever you choose to have “Friendsgiving,” people are bound to take pictures. Give them something fun to pose with!

Roberts said there were signs with funny sayings to take pictures with at his friends’ place. This inspired people to have some fun without having to take the same old selfies. Put up a backdrop,  decorate and watch your friends get creative.

Silly Outfits

While some enjoy this as a time to look nice with their friends, others spend it as a time to look silly.

James Devereux, a freshman exercise and sports sciences major from Houston, Texas, said the attire for his Friendsgiving is “onesies.” This is a great way to show your true colors and laugh at yourself and your friends. It allows for everybody to relax and be comfortable, while adding some excitement to the meal.

“It’s fun, it’s creative, it’s us being us,” Devereux said.

Thanksgiving does not have to be the same every year. And whether you are with family, or stuck somewhere else away from home, let this be a time of celebration spent with those who mean something to you. Happy “Friendsgiving”!

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