There are few things in life better than great food and friends that feel like family. Usually people reunite with relatives for Thanksgiving. But for those who can’t, or for those who just don’t want to deal with their weird uncle, there’s Friendsgiving!
Friends + Thanksgiving = Friendsgiving
The word “Friendsgiving” is a mash-up of “friends” and “Thanksgiving.” It has become so popular that it was officially added to the Merriam-Webster dictionary this year. Friendsgiving is an opportunity to celebrate the very best parts of the holiday with your “chosen family.” Although Friendsgiving can be celebrated at any point in November, it usually takes place the weekend before Thanksgiving.
While Friendsgiving is still happening for many Americans this year, expect it to look a little bit different thanks to an unwelcome guest: COVID-19. But that doesn’t mean the holiday can’t be fun! In fact, the CDC has issued some guidelines for celebrating the holidays during the pandemic that can help make your event a little safer.
While Friendsgiving is still happening for many Americans this year, expect it to look a little bit different thanks to an unwelcome guest: COVID-19. But that doesn’t mean the holiday can’t be fun! In fact, the CDC has issued some guidelines for celebrating the holidays during the pandemic that can help make your event a little safer.
Shake It up and Take It Outside
Get your backyard ready for the get-together, the “socially distanced” way. Poor ventilation indoors is the biggest risk factor for Thanksgiving celebrations. However, with a bit of imagination and planning, hosting the event outside may actually make it feel free, happy, and unforgettable.
Think outside the box and use trees to hang lights and decorations off of. Create the perfect tablescape and display small autumnal floral arrangements as spacers to maintain distance between each guest. Then give them out to everyone to take home after the meal.
Scrap the Traditional Menu
Friendsgiving is different this year, and your menu should be too! One great idea is skip buffet-style meals and fire up the grill. You can still indulge in your usual turkey and sweet potatoes but cook it up on the grill and serve each guest individually. The idea is to limit the amount of hands preparing the food and avoid having people reach into shared dishes.
You can even get creative when it comes to drinks! Use thermoses to serve hot cocoa, apple cider, or wine. Also remember to use disposable dinnerware and serving utensils. Make sure your guests are as protected as possible.
Create New Memories
Maybe you’re used to ending Friendsgiving by watching a football game with your pals. This year, it may not be such a good idea to sit so close to each other. Instead, play some games that allow for social distancing. So here are some you may not have thought of:
Oversized Lawn Games
Yes, this is actually a thing. There’s Giant Connect 4, Giant Chess, Giant Jenga, and more. You can also take it back to childhood with some camp games. The Tug-of-war, the sack race, and the egg-and-spoon race are tons of fun and will keep guests a few feet apart from each other.
Take a Walk Together
It’s a great way to digest your food after a meal. Not to mention, it’s the perfect time for leaf-peeping. However, make sure to wear a mask and maintain 6 feet between each person.
Set up a Fire Pit
Include some music, blankets and s’mores for a fun time! The great thing about a backyard bonfire is that you can create as much distance between each person as you want.
Can’t Make It? Be There Virtually
Let’s be honest. By now, we’re used to this whole virtual thing. If you can’t host or attend a Friendsgiving event in person, Zoom is your friend. Therefore, one option is to create matching tablescapes so that the theme matches. You don’t even have to miss out on the Friendsgiving games!
Websites like Team Building provide Thanksgiving Bingo templates and will allow you to create a link and play with people virtually. No matter how far you are from each other, sharing experiences will help you to feel close at heart.
It’s hard on everyone to skip their favorite holiday traditions. However these new, quarantine-friendly ideas mean you’ll create new memories with your friends. For more Friendsgiving ideas, read our holiday D.I.Y blog.