Author: Tiffany Champion
We’re all thinking it, so let’s face it: the holidays can often bring out the worst in people. Between cranky travelers, overbearing relatives, and consumerism overload, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Thankfully, celebrations like Friendsgiving provide welcome relief from the chaos, emphasizing intentional togetherness and companionship in stark contrast to the sometimes obligatory and often more formal nature of traditional holiday gatherings. Just as research affirms that THC and CBD are scientifically proven to work better together, spending time with friends who bring out the best in us is a fantastic way to stay grounded during stressful times. Whether you’re hosting or being hosted, here are some simple tips to help keep the stress out of Friendsgiving.
Everybody Do Your Share
Most good hosts would never ask guests for help clearing away and cleaning up, so taking initiative is key. Unless your friend is one of the terminally Type A entertainers who’d prefer not to have help (they do exist, and your Virgo friends are living proof), pitch in with chores.
Come Bearing Gifts
Your presence is the ultimate present, but bringing a thoughtful gift for your host as a token of your appreciation is an excellent way to show your gratitude. It doesn’t have to be extravagant—even a handwritten card will do—but be sure to bring something. You can even go the extra mile by bringing them a pastry or a bag of coffee beans for them to enjoy the next morning, just for themselves, in addition to whatever you’re bringing for the group. Or, dare we suggest, even a pack of Wynk to unwind and reset after all the cooking and planning.
Drink Responsibly
As with everything, moderation is key. If you’ll be drinking alcohol at Friendsgiving, know your limits and stick to them. As an evergreen rule of thumb, alternating one glass of water (or a can of Wynk ;)) for every alcoholic beverage is an easy way to pace yourself. We want Friendsgiving to be memorable—in a good way!
Go When the Time’s Right
As fun as hosting can be, it’s also extremely exhausting. As the festivities wind down, be mindful of the time—because as long as you’re there, your host is still hosting. Once you’ve thanked them for the gathering one last time, excuse yourself at a reasonable hour so they can rest.
Swiper, No Swiping!
Everybody does it. We all have the time to scroll aimlessly on our phones, but time with friends is hard to come by—especially this deep into the season. Make every moment count by silencing your phone and focusing on staying present and connected. One push notification is all it takes to get sucked into a doomscroll, so resist the temptation and enjoy the best remedy this world has to offer: friendship.