Friendsgiving
Over the last few years, Friendsgiving has almost become just as important as the traditional Thanksgiving meal. After all, as you get older and the longer your friendships last, they practically become your family.
In 2016, I suggested to my group of friends from college that we do Friendsgiving. Mostly because it would feel like an episode of "Friends" to me and hanging out with them in a different setting just sounded like a good time.
We had it all planned out. Our friend Robin had offered her and her fiancé's home, I made a playlist, I bought decorations, we assigned the food to one another, we brainstormed about games and the whole shebang. And then, I ended up in the ER that day and wasn't sure that I would make it at all. I did end up making it, but it was nothing like the Pinterest version of the day I'd seen in my mind.
Do invite some of your closest pals.
Keep it a small gathering, as it's easier to talk with one another and get more personal - The ones who have been there with you throughout the year! Whether it's your gals from Bible Study, friends from college or even co-workers, grab a few peeps and be reminded of all you have to be thankful for.
Don't worry about decorations.
When it comes down to it, most of the Thanksgiving decorations are overpriced and you'll use them for a few hours just to post pictures on Instagram and look at for a few minutes. It's not about that, so don't get caught up in thinking that your table setting has to be perfect or everything has to be just right. It's all about the company and making memories!
Do assign food to each person coming.
It is important that everyone decides what they're bringing ahead of time and sticks to it. This will eliminate not having enough or having too much of one thing. Mashed potatoes are my specialty and everyone knows it now, so I stick to that every year. Stick to the classic Thanksgiving foods, but also don't be afraid to try new dishes or something that's a little different.
Don't bring your significant others, unless you've been together at least a year.
For us, this hasn't been a problem. A couple of our friends were already dating their significant others, so we got to know them as we all became closer friends. However, it can be tricky when people start dating and wanting to bring their significant others. I think unless you've been with that person for awhile, it's best to not bring someone new around.
Don't stress about an agenda.
Yes, sometimes it's fun to have a flow for the evening - dinner, games, etc. But, Friendsgiving is more laid back and shouldn't stick to a plan. We usually talk and catch up, finish our dishes, eat and play games. I'm not a fan of playing games, unless it's trivia, but I do love a good game of Scattergories. The others played Jackbox 5 with a variety of games, while I watched.
Have you celebrated Friendsgiving with your friends? If so, what did that look like for you? Did you watch movies or play games? Try any new recipes? Let me know!
That's all for now,
Shelby