It’s the most wonderful time of the year and it’s finally here! Food, friends, fun, and plenty of activities. And no, it’s not Christmas! Thanksgiving is one of the best times of year (at least to us); it’s filled with all the food and that much-needed break from studying hard. We all know students love a good meal, whether it be sandwiches or something fancier, and this is a wonderful day to spend with the people you love. But what should you do if you’re someone who just can’t get the time off to get back to your family? There’s no question that stinks…

But no, you don’t sit around moping about the day. Instead, you make it amazing!

The reality is, sometimes, people can’t spend the day with their nearest and dearest, which is why friends usually come together to celebrate. In an ode to Thanksgiving, we’re giving you the ultimate lowdown to have the best “Friendsgiving” with your closest bunch. Whether you’re heading home to have a traditional feast, or planning a big night filled with camaraderie, we’ve got the best tips for you to have fun, no matter what. 

Let’s look beyond the turkey and football on the couch, and get stuck into some good old-fashioned activities. Trust us, you won’t be missing home with these. 

1. Friendsgiving feast 

First things first, let’s keep it traditional. If you can’t jump on a flight to see your parents, you may as well spend the day gorging yourself with your besties. What could be better than that?

Here’s what you need to do: 

  • Location: Choose a place that works for everyone (ideally on or before the actual day, not after). This can be in your dorm room, apartment, or your best friend's place – it doesn’t matter where you spend it, just who you’re spending it with.
  • Potluck game: Do your day potluck style and all bring a different dish. That could be the mashed potatoes, the corn, the turkey, or something that really blows your friends away.
  • Decoration: It’s not Friendsgiving without some OTT decorations – so go all out. This only happens once a year, so deck the halls a little early.
  • Make it traditional: Just because you’re not “home home” does not mean you miss out on all the festivities. Share your personal family traditions among yourselves and feel more connected with your friends than ever before. 
  • Take photos: Above all else, remember to document the success. This holiday may not be the same as the ones that you grew up with, but we can guarantee it’s one to remember. Even if some of you don’t celebrate the day, it’s still the perfect excuse to get dressed up and eat good food. 

2. Casino night 

Looking for the perfect way to spend your post-foodie-fuelled day? Host the ultimate casino night from home and gather together all your closest friends. This adds a dash of excitement to your Thanksgiving break and also blends fun and festivities together.

Here’s what you need to do: 

  • Choose the games: Make sure you select some of the most popular casino games on the market, to guarantee everyone knows what they are doing. We love a variety of card games for physical fun, mixed with roulette casino and online options for some classic couch entertainment. Who says you have to head to the table to place a bet? This way, you can maximize all the seats around the house. For roulette, all you need is a wheel (purchased or online!), a set of chips, and a designated dealer. We vote for the most sensible one of the group, but that’s up to you! 
  • Decorate: It’s not a casino night without the bells and whistles to match. Transform your place into a mini-casino with decorations like cards, dice, and the bright lights of Vegas. Always remember to add a drinks cart with plenty of options, because you can’t be 007 casino-themed without a delicious martini.
  • Set the rules: Before any games begin, you need to explain the rules and make sure that all your guests are on the same page. Keep bets friendly, always, and consider playing with fake money or chips. This way nobody gets left out of all the fun.

3. Outdoor adventures 

Last but by no means least – let’s not forget about a wholesome stroll in the great outdoors. Think Instagram pictures, fresh air, and cozy clothes. We’ve got your weekend sorted with Sunday Funday day out. 

Thanksgiving may not have the best history, but today, we can make this holiday all about love, sharing, and positivity. That means it’s definitely time to get into the great outdoors, and who better to do it with than your best pals? Here are some fun ways to get outdoors: 

  • Hiking 
  • Walking 
  • Stargazing 
  • Biking
  • Outdoor movie night 

Whatever you spend your festivities doing, we hope you have all the fun you could want. It’s always a day to remember regardless of what you do, so relax, get in the spirit, and feel thankful for what you have. Here’s to the next year!