(“Friendsgiving Preparation” Photo Credit: Janae Thompson)
By: Janae Thompson
“Friendsgiving?” #fristmas or “Friendsmas,” now there is a time for you to spend your holidays with not only your family, but your friends as well. That time of year that we may dread because it drains our pockets does not have to be so foreboding. Friendsmas is described in Urban Dictionary as, “That special time of year when close friends get together to consume large quantities of delicious food stuff and exchange gifts….”
How about Friendsgiving which is also described as, “The celebration of Thanksgiving dinner with your friends. This usually occurs on the Wednesday before or the Friday after Thanksgiving Day, since Thanksgiving is usually reserved for family gatherings?”
Frolidays can be a stressful time just like any other holiday, but it helps those who also live too far away from their family to enjoy Thanksgiving and Christmas, while showing appreciation for friends that give emotional support.
These are some tips and tricks by Ladeja Slaughter, who once previously hosted a Friendsgiving in 2016. She understands the trials and tribulations it took to help accommodate others and to make sure that her friends do not drive her up the wall.
Have enough money. “The last thing anyone wants to hear is, ‘We’re out of money!’ So, make sure everyone who comes to the party helps pitch in by buying drinks or forks and napkins and such so that you can have a clear mind when shopping for other things.”
Don’t pay for all of this yourself. Make sure everything is in order. You are not the only one eating and, so you should not be the only one paying. Have everyone contribute to their Friendsgiving.
Make sure you have decorations. “Any group of friends can order takeout on a weekday and watch a movie, but having decorations helps with the atmosphere and bringing the feelings of the holidays to life. Even buying a Bath and Body Works 3-Wick candle will help set the mood since they burn forever and make the entire room smell wonderful!”
Make memories. “For most, this is going to be one of the best times they have with their friends, so why not take out that polaroid camera you have been saving and put it to use for laughs later?”
Give everyone the correct time and date. Give everyone the correct time and place that your event will be held. Also confirm it the day ahead to make sure it is fresh in everyone’s mind.
Make sure everyone knows what they are to bring. “Do take note of what everyone is bringing, because there will be friends who text you, ‘What was I supposed to bring again?’ Something like this with a bunch of 20-somethings is bound to be all over the place. This is the one time where you are required to be organized.”
Have enough booze and desserts. You friends are going to be right there with you, when the third bottle of wine is opened, and no one will care. “Live a little with your friends.” No one will judge because everyone is there to have a good time.
Have entertainment. Almost everyone was there for the get-together and we all realized there was no music. The last person to arrive tried to call me and make sure there was a speaker, but I forgot to text him back. Sure enough he came and blessed us all with music.
Show appreciation for your friends! “Show the people that are you friends how much they mean to you. Give thanks for any emotional or verbal, even physical support that they show you. They would not be spending their Frolidays with you if they did not care for you.”
Don’t invite too many people. “You may want to invite your neighbor and his roommate, who you chatted up with in the lobby when the elevator was not working, from the third floor, up for a plate, but then everyone will want to bring someone else. This will just cause chaos in your mind. For example, maybe there are not enough chairs or not enough food and drink. Limit yourself and those around you.”
Don’t get frustrated. “Everything is not going to happen the way you envisioned it turning out like a Southern Living magazine. The best way to handle any stress is to eliminate it before it begins, buy more ingredients if you think you may need some, get one or two more foldable chairs if you’re worried about seating. Remember, eliminate the problem before it starts.”
Know if your friends have any allergies. Allergies are not always looked at when planning a party. So when the food is being prepared, make sure no one has any allergies that you are not aware of.
This sums up almost everything you would need to have an eventful and successful Froliday. No drama at all. These are you friends and spending a nice evening with them will burn wonderful memories into your hearts and minds.
Just make sure to turn up the volume and keep the eggnog and the drinks and the conversations going all night long.