The holiday season is rocking just around the corner — streets are brimming with twinkling lights and the giving season’s jolly cheer. For just one night, get in the festive spirit with your friends at home and celebrate Friendsmas!
Confections & Crafts
Arguably the most important aspect of the night, no event is complete without food. Line your tables with various snacks — apple cider, hot chocolate, and smores to start. Spice things up by combining confection and craft with a cookie or gingerbread house decorating contest — it might be cliché, but it’s a classic for a reason. If the tedious labor of construction isn’t your style, do some group paintings but with a twist; paint classic holiday scenes and pass your canvases around in a circle until each person has added their own element. White Christmas can find its way into California somehow!
Holiday Cards
Go to a friend’s house and coordinate in holiday attire to photograph your very own friend group holiday card. Whether it be ugly Christmas sweaters, giant Rudolph noses, holiday PJs, or strictly red and black plaid, make sure to coordinate your outfits under a theme. Try fun group poses, anything from the range of a human pyramid (perhaps ill-fated for a large group), or default to sorority squats in front of a Christmas tree — if you can, try to squeeze in a few candids! Design a card yourself on Canva, or use a pre-generated template and print it out to hand to all of your teachers, family, and loved ones. If you’re feeling like going the extra mile, attach these cards with a candy cane and a sweet message on the back.
Holiday Movie Binge
Harp on the thought of a White Christmas while watching the most classic scenes: from the Polar Express taking off in the snow to Home Alone’s Kevin McCallister defending his home from burglars. Get your comfiest blankets and pillows ready to curl up by the fireplace (or turn on the heater) while watching the most iconic Christmas flicks. Even if the movies are just a backdrop to the much-needed end-of-year holiday gossip or group activities, it’s an essential part of the celebrations!
Christmas Light Watching
Take a stroll along a neighborhood or drive to watch the stunning lights while they’re in season! Live in the moment and immerse yourself in the various homes’ festive projection scenes of Frosty the Snowman or Rudolph and intricate arrays of LED lights. If you’re cruising through a neighborhood, plug a shared holiday playlist into the aux and make sure to bring hot cocoa to sip on as you admire the enchanting setting.
Christmas Games of Your Choice
If you still haven’t chosen a gift game with your friends or are unfamiliar with the classic gift-giving games, White Elephant and Secret Santa are always safe bets! Enjoy the night with other twists on classic games like Pin the Nose on Rudolph or holiday-themed Charades. Compete in classic prize games or board games too, even if they aren’t directly holiday-related.
Friendsmas, at its heart, is about the company you’re with, so make the most of it this year!
