The end of November and December is when the holiday cheer arises. Parents, kids and students who are away from home making up for the warmth of home, with their new family – roommates and friends they’ve made along the way. Thanksgiving, a family favourite and an evening that revolves around Turkeys, mashed potatoes, veggies and a lot of comfort.
For students this can somehow be their first year celebrating it away from home. To make up for this lost comfort, we’ve listed down ways you can celebrate thanksgiving with your friends and roommates below:
1. Host A Friendsgiving
Thanksgiving is all about togetherness, and what better way to celebrate than with your friends? Host a potluck dinner where everyone contributes a dish, making it a shared effort. Not only does this take the pressure off cooking everything yourself, but it also introduces a variety of flavours and traditions. Don’t forget to include a mix of classic dishes like turkey or mashed potatoes and some unique spins from your friends’ cultural backgrounds!
2. Get Creative In The Kitchen
Cooking a full Thanksgiving meal may feel daunting in a small dorm or apartment, but you can still make it work. Opt for easy recipes or shortcuts like pre-cooked turkey slices, instant mashed potatoes, or ready-made pies. If you don’t have an oven, try stovetop or microwave-friendly dishes like green bean casserole or pumpkin soup. The effort you put into making the meal will add a personal touch to the celebration.
3. Share Traditions And Create New Ones
Thanksgiving is a great opportunity to share your traditions with friends from different backgrounds. Explain the meaning of the holiday and the significance of your favourite dishes. At the same time, be open to incorporating new traditions, such as playing a game, watching an international movie, or preparing foods that are special to your friends’ cultures.
4. Decorate Your Space
Transform your dorm or apartment into a cosy Thanksgiving retreat with simple decorations. Use fall-themed items like pumpkins, candles, or string lights to create a festive vibe. Craft DIY decor with friends or pick up inexpensive supplies from a local store. The ambiance can make the occasion feel extra special and homely.
5. Host A Gratitude Circle
Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on what you’re grateful for. Take a moment to go around the table (or Zoom call) and share what you appreciate most about your current life. It’s a great way to strengthen bonds and bring a sense of positivity and connection to the celebration.
6. Plan A Virtual Thanksgiving With Family
If you’re missing home, organise a virtual gathering with your family. Share a meal together over a video call or coordinate a virtual activity like watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Staying connected with loved ones, even from afar, can bring comfort and joy.
7. Volunteer Or Give Back
Thanksgiving is also about giving to others. Check for local volunteer opportunities at food banks, shelters, or community events. If volunteering in person isn’t an option, consider organising a donation drive among friends or supporting a charitable cause online.
8. End The Day With Comfort And Fun
After the meal, unwind with some classic Thanksgiving activities. Watch festive movies, play board games, or enjoy a casual walk to soak in the fall vibes. If you’re a sports fan, tune into a Thanksgiving football game for some classic holiday entertainment.
Celebrating Thanksgiving away from home may feel different, but it’s a chance to create your own unique memories. By surrounding yourself with friends, sharing traditions, and embracing gratitude, you can capture the spirit of the holiday and make it truly meaningful. A home away from home doesn’t have to feel so far when you fill it with warmth, connection, and celebration.
FAQs
- What is Thanksgiving and why is it celebrated?
Thanksgiving is a national holiday in the United States celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, primarily to give thanks for the harvest and blessings of the past year. Its origins trace back to a 1621 feast shared between the Pilgrims and Native Americans, and it has evolved into a day for family gatherings, festive meals, and expressions of gratitude.
- What is the full meaning of Thanksgiving?
The full meaning of Thanksgiving refers to a holiday dedicated to giving thanks, particularly for the harvest and blessings of the past year. It originated from a 1621 feast shared between the Pilgrims and Native Americans and has evolved into a day for family gatherings, feasting, and expressing gratitude.
- Is Thanksgiving bigger than Christmas?
Thanksgiving is generally considered more popular than Christmas in terms of familiarity and enjoyment among Americans, with 79% expressing a positive view of Thanksgiving compared to 78% for Christmas. However, Christmas is often seen as a larger cultural event due to its extended celebration period and significant commercial impact, making it a more prominent holiday overall.
- What is the real story of Thanksgiving?
The real story of Thanksgiving involves a complex history that includes both celebration and tragedy. While it is often associated with the 1621 feast between the Pilgrims and Wampanoag Indians, the holiday’s official recognition by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863 was partly an attempt to heal divisions during the Civil War, following a dark period marked by violence against Native Americans. Many Native Americans view Thanksgiving as a day of mourning, reflecting on the historical injustices and loss experienced since European colonization.
- Why do we eat Turkey on Thanksgiving?
Turkey has become the centerpiece of Thanksgiving due to its size, making it suitable for feeding large families, and its historical association with the holiday that developed in the 19th century.
We hope you liked reading about Thanksgiving celebrations for students around the world. Here’s a few more for your interest below:
