Why is it that Thanksgiving has the ability to bring out the crazy in everyone? When you distill the holiday to its essence, it’s just an excuse to stuff our bellies with as much food as possible; but for most people, this is no ordinary dinner party—this is family you’re trying to impress. We, the cohort, have been at Maxwell for about five months now (whoa.) At this point, we’re each other’s family having seen everyone at their highest of highs and lowest of lows. Below, I have itemized how to successfully orchestrate a Maxwell friendsgiving and have attempted to answer some of your burning friendsgiving questions.
What is friendsgiving? It is a joyous occasion where friends sit around a table and eat food together. If one of said friend’s just so happens to be named Monica, she may or may not be obliged to walk around the dinner table with a turkey on her head.
Do I have to worry about being “that guy/gal” at thanksgiving? You mean the one that believes everyone and anyone cares about your political opinions? We’re at Maxwell because we are hoping to become conscientious public servants, so you probably have an opinion or two that directly clashes with Aunt Beatrice. If Aunt Beatrice says something that just doesn’t jive with you, look to this handy resource in an effort to learn how to peacefully articulate your differences.
Indeed, the inevitability of political debates around the dinner table looms for just about every family. That’s the beauty of friendsgiving, however… this year at least, it was devoid of ideological clashes and mashed potato throwing.
What if I am a veg head/vegan/paleo? At Maxwell Friendsigiving, there were lots of non-meat options; whether it was roasted Brussels sprouts, cranberry chutney, roasted sweet potatoes, corn mush, stuffing, green bean casserole, or pasta shells, anyone should be able to enjoy themselves. Sides are the best part after all.
Speaking of paleo, can I be paleo and enjoy pumpkin pie too? Honestly, no. If the caveman knew just how good pumpkin pie was, trust me, they would eat it. Either you eat pumpkin pie or suffer without it.
Pumpkin pie counts as a vegetable, right? It’s a root vegetable after all… to health!
Is there such a thing as too much gravy? What a dumb question.
Is loving someone really a necessity during the holidays? No, but if you have the opportunity to and (for whatever reason) are on the fence about loving someone, or a group of people in this instance, do it. You’ll feel good. You’ll learn quickly just how thankful you are for your cohort, and how much love and compassion they too have for you.