Friends trickle into an autumn-scented apartment, carrying aluminium-covered plates and wearing pajamas. It’s not exactly a picture-perfect Thanksgiving meal, but for senior communication major Sophia Moseley, Friendsgiving feels even better.
Moseley never experienced a Friendsgiving before college. Now, she finds it more fulfilling than spending Thanksgiving with her extended family.
“Something that I’m going to take away … is cherishing the time that we have together,” Moseley said.
Before some University of Maryland students go home for Thanksgiving break, they turn their apartments and houses into makeshift dining rooms and try their best to cook a turkey with the comfiest clothes for Friendsgiving.
Friendsgiving has grown in popularity on college campuses because it offers something a traditional, family-filled Thanksgiving can’t recreate: a celebration of friendship, independence and the shared experience of college living.
For some students, embracing Friendsgiving is a way to create their own version of the holiday — one that is casual, stress-free and comforting during one of the busiest times of the year.
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This year, Moseley’s group crowded in one of their apartments for their second annual Friendsgiving celebration, using the kitchen island and table as a makeshift dining space, for an array of dishes.
At Moseley’s Friendsgiving, everyone signed up to make and bring two dishes to the small feast. The act of independently cooking dishes, bringing them to friends and creating their own traditions feels like a step into adulthood for Moseley.
“We are realizing what we have left of college is dwindling at this point,” Moseley said. “I think recently we’ve all been getting a little sappy about the fact that we’re all going to go separate ways or live in different places … I think getting this time together should really be appreciated.”
Moseley said it’s special that they all can find time together to sit and enjoy each other’s company, especially with their busy schedules.
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Friendsgiving for sophomore economics major Jackson Kaye means gathering with his friends at one of their off-campus houses to celebrate the holiday.
“I think it’s just a nice way for everyone to reflect on the year because college life … moves so quick,” Kaye said. “It’s a good way to step back and just enjoy your friend group and spend quality time together.”
Last year, Kaye celebrated with five friends. This year, the group nearly doubled and he hopes the tradition, and crowd, will continue to grow during his time in college.
“I hope I get a lot of good free food, … have a good night and continue the tradition,” Kaye said.
Unlike Kaye and Moseley, sophomore human development major Hayden Levy heads to a Friendsgiving this year where she doesn’t know many of the guests. Although the holiday is designed for close friends to share their thankfulness for each other, Levy looks forward to meeting new people.
She believes Friendsgiving is becoming more popular on college campuses because it offers a break from schoolwork and a chance to enjoy being around new and old friends.
She said Friendsgiving celebrations feel much more casual than Thanksgiving at home. A casual party with a short guest list, the dress code consists of sweatpants and comfy clothes.
Moseley agrees that the stakes of Friendsgiving are much lower than a traditional Thanksgiving, and that’s why she prefers it.
“I think it’s just special that everybody can get together,” Moseley said. “I like the aspect of everybody putting thought and effort into the dishes that they make and then sharing them with everybody.”
