Being old comes with responsibilities and sometimes those responsibilities interfere with family gatherings during the holiday season. Whether it’s work, being an out of state student, or you just couldn’t find a ride home, being away from family on holidays sucks. It sucks a bunch. There is, however, a solution to get rid of your lonely holiday blues!
Instead of celebrating Thanksgiving, celebrate a Friendsgiving! Meaning grab all of the people you know, get each of them to make their favorite holiday dish, and then come together as your own little family away from home. It’s a foolproof way to cure your homesickness!
Friendsgiving doesn’t just have to be for those individuals who are home alone this holiday. You can use this opportunity to have a friendsgiving as a farewell, or kick off dinner with friends before departing for break as a breather before finals start next week.
So here’s what you do.
Organize who cooks what.
Have the person who is the culinary genius of the group cook the bird and those who kitchen challenged make punch or a frozen pie to stick in the oven.
Brainstorm activities to do while the host cooks or orders the turkey.
You know, play Scattergories, Yahtzee, or even card games. Anything to keep you off of your phone, just like you would be at home.
Assign must-have food items for your event.
Everyone has their favorite dish, and who knows with everyone bringing their faves you might try something new that you’ll bring to Thanksgiving dinner next year.
Have a pie baking competition!
Friendly competition is always fun and if everyone is willing and capable to chip in five dollars, the winner could be awarded a gift card to go Black Friday shopping!
Take a bunch of pictures.
Mom and Dad will appreciate the thoughtful picture message and it will put their mind at ease that you aren’t sitting in your room sulking.
Have fun!
I know this may seem like a no brainer, but sometimes your emotions can get in the way of having a good time. Instead of focusing on how much you think your family is having without you, think of how much fun you’re going to have making a new tradition.
Thanksgiving away from home can be fun if you’re willing to make the best of it! So make new holiday traditions away from home and remember that “Friends who eat together, stay together.”