When Thanksgiving comes around, there’s one thing everyone is thinking about … food.
Aside from food, this holiday means spending time with family, watching football and cooking while knowing you’re going to have leftovers for days.
There is another day spent the exact same way, but is more of a social gathering. You won’t be asked, “How’s college going” in every conversation.
This day is called Friendsgiving.
This day is usually one or two weeks before Thanksgiving and is slowly becoming a tradition for teenagers and young adults.
The menu for Friendsgiving might be a little different from your Grandmother’s and may feel like it’s more of a potluck party. Regardless, there will be good food and drinks. There are no rules with what dishes to bring for this tradition and it is fun to add a little variety with food at the table.
The appropriate way to celebrate this day is to get together with your good friends, find out who’s hosting, let the host cook the turkey or main dish, then have everyone else bring the rest of the food. Considering the host is already hosting the event, it’s best to lighten their load, so they don’t get overwhelmed.
Plus, this is an opportunity to practice cooking a delicious dish to share with your friends. This is a more relaxed environment rather than a formal table setting. You won’t be placed at the ‘kids table’ in this case thankfully.
Another reason why this holiday is unique is there are no strict rules. While it’s a special occasion to spend time with your close friends and eat as much food as you want, you can play games like Cards Against Humanity while not having to be on your best behavior.
Maybe there is one year you can’t make it home because you live too far or you have work. This gives you more of a reason to celebrate Friendsgiving, a happier alternative holiday. It’s not as hectic, nor do you have to spend that Thursday alone.
“I think Friendsgiving is important because it shows that your family doesn’t have to be limited to those who you grew up with and are related to,” said Lliy Buder, sophomore in history.
Lily Buder hosted and celebrated Friendsgiving with her friends and sorority sisters at her home off-campus during the Auburn vs. Georgia game.
“Good friends and the love that comes from those relationships make a lasting impact and recognizing those bonds through events like this make it stronger over time," Bruder said. "I think by showing people you appreciate them makes everyone happier.”
Thanksgiving has always been about family, but this is also the time to be thankful for everything you have and that includes friends.
There are no awkward interactions with relatives you see twice a year, or no long distance travelling. Just reminiscing and laughing with good friends over a meal without the family drama.
Whether it be celebrated with your college friends, teammates, or roommates, this timeless tradition gives a sense that you’ve built families among your friends and that’s definitely something to be thankful for.
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