Thursday, November 7, 2024 Friendsgiving: Foster positivity and gratitude at your celebrations
The autumn holiday season is here, and for many Husker students, it’s a time to reconnect and reflect on experiences with friends. This tradition, known as Friendsgiving, is a casual, informal gathering where friends come together on or around Thanksgiving, often over a shared meal.
Whether you’re planning a Friendsgiving on campus or heading home to celebrate with friends, you can enjoy the festivities while prioritizing everyone’s well-being and creating a positive, responsible social environment.
Here are some tips for making your Friendsgiving celebration both memorable and safe, with a focus on harm reduction.
Express gratitude.
Clue in your friends that this is not a normal dinner that they should arrive and prepare to share their appreciation of others and camaraderie by asking guests to participate in activities such as a gratitude jar or personalized notes. Promote a supportive and inclusive environment that values meaningful connections and shared experiences among friends.
Plan early and travel safe.
Given the hectic academic schedules, plan your Friendsgiving gathering well in advance. Ensure all attendees have a safe mode of transportation, especially if the event involves alcohol consumption. Organize rideshare options or designate a sober driver to prioritize everyone's safety. If you are hosting, allow them to stay at your home for the evening.
Choose the correct venue.
Select a suitable and accessible location that accommodates the size of your group. Opt for a space that encourages a comfortable and secure environment for all participants, whether it's a residence hall, campus lounge, or a friend's apartment. Make sure your friends know about a designated areas for smoking and vaping.
Theme your celebration.
Add a unique touch to any Friendsgiving by incorporating a fun theme and interactive and engaging activities. Instead of focusing solely on alcohol-centric events, consider hosting a movie or sports watch party, or a music-inspired karaoke contest to promote a vibrant and enjoyable atmosphere.
Make it a potluck with healthy options.
Embrace the spirit of community by organizing a potluck-style meal where everyone contributes a dish. Encourage the inclusion of nutritious food options and provide non-alcoholic beverages to ensure a well-rounded and balanced dining experience for all attendees.
Discover flavorful drink recipes with UNL’s Mocktail Mixology.
Capture the moment and preserve the memories.
Document the joyful gathering with a group photo to commemorate the occasion. Emphasize the significance of cherishing the camaraderie shared during Friendsgiving, and encourage attendees to tag their experiences on social media to foster a sense of community and belonging. Share your experience with campus by tagging #UNLFriendsgiving.
Enjoy a safe break and Go Big Red!
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Want an Alcohol and Other Drugs presentation or program for your RSO, chapter, or group? Connect with Jon Gayer, assistant director for alcohol and drug education, at jgayer3@unl.edu and 402-472-2583.