Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family and friends, but for college students who may not be able to travel home for the holiday, Friendsgiving has become a popular alternative. Friendsgiving is a celebration of friendship and gratitude, where friends come together to enjoy a festive meal and create lasting memories. If you’re planning a Friendsgiving this year, here are 11 fun ideas to make the day unforgettable:
1. Potluck Style Dinner: Instead of one person taking on the responsibility of cooking the entire meal, have each guest bring a dish to share. This not only lightens the load for the host but also allows everyone to contribute their favorite recipes.
2. DIY Decorations: Get creative with DIY decorations to make your Friendsgiving extra festive. You can make a homemade centerpiece, create a thankful tree for guests to add notes of gratitude, or even make your own paper turkey decorations.
3. Friendsgiving Photo Booth: Set up a Friendsgiving photo booth with props like pilgrim hats, turkey feathers, and a “Thankful” sign. This is a fun way to capture memories with your friends and create lasting keepsakes.
4. Friendsgiving Games: Plan some fun games to play during your Friendsgiving celebration. You can have a Thanksgiving trivia game, turkey bowling, or even a pie-eating contest. Games are a great way to break the ice and keep the party lively.
5. Gratitude Jar: Set up a gratitude jar where guests can write down what they’re thankful for and share it with the group. Reading these notes aloud can be a heartwarming and uplifting activity that reminds everyone of the true spirit of Thanksgiving.
6. Friendsgiving Playlist: Create a Friendsgiving playlist with all your favorite Thanksgiving and autumn-themed songs. Music can help set the mood and create a festive atmosphere for your celebration.
7. Friendsgiving Movie Marathon: After dinner, cozy up on the couch and watch Thanksgiving-themed movies or TV episodes. Classics like “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles” or “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” are sure to get everyone in the holiday spirit.
8. Friendsgiving Craft Station: Set up a craft station where guests can make their own Thanksgiving-themed crafts. Whether it’s making paper hand turkeys, decorating mini pumpkins, or creating gratitude jars, crafting can be a fun and creative way to bond with your friends.
9. Friendsgiving Potluck Brunch: If hosting a dinner seems too daunting, consider having a Friendsgiving potluck brunch instead. Guests can bring their favorite breakfast dishes, like pancakes, waffles, and breakfast casseroles, for a more relaxed and casual celebration.
10. Friendsgiving Gift Exchange: Consider doing a Friendsgiving gift exchange where guests can exchange small gifts or tokens of appreciation. This can be a fun way to show gratitude for your friends and create a sense of camaraderie.
11. Friendsgiving Volunteer Activity: In the spirit of giving back, consider organizing a volunteer activity as part of your Friendsgiving celebration. Whether it’s serving meals at a local shelter, packing care packages for the homeless, or participating in a food drive, giving back to the community can add meaning and purpose to your holiday gathering.
Overall, Friendsgiving is a time to come together, celebrate friendship, and express gratitude for the people in your life. Incorporating these fun ideas into your celebration can help make your Friendsgiving memorable, meaningful, and full of joy. Happy Friendsgiving!