American students at AAU are finding creative ways to celebrate Thanksgiving, or Friendsgiving, despite being far from home.
The holiday is traditionally marked by family gatherings and a turkey-centered feast. Unable to reunite with family, many AAU students are organizing communal gatherings with friends to share meals and recreate the familial warmth of the holiday.
“We’re having a get together with a bunch of friends over at our apartment and cooking a lot of the classic Thanksgiving foods, then we’re watching A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving,” said Nica Mele.
Instead of traveling back home, some students are receiving visitors from the States.
“My mom’s visiting me and is going to cook a feast to replicate how we celebrate at home,” said Liza Potts. “My friends are coming over, too.”
Others have relatives living abroad who will travel to share the holiday together.
“I’m going to Barcelona and visiting my friend, who’s Mexican. She’s going to make some Mexican food for us,” said Hadley Hagaseth. “It’s not going to be traditional, but it’s going to be exciting.”
For some, cooking proves to be too much of a burden. The Globe Bookstore, Manifesto Market, and Jàma Garden Pub offer a way to celebrate the holiday without having to do any dishes.
Securing a seat in advance is advised, and reservations can be made online with The Globe Bookstore and Manifesto Market.
