How To Have a Howard Thanksgiving

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With Thanksgiving Day coming up, Howard University students are preparing for the five-day Thanksgiving break. While many students are going home for the break, many will be staying on campus during that time.

Xzhariya Henderson, a freshman dance major, will be staying on campus during the break due to her cheerleading practice schedule and dance rehearsals. She expressed concern over not having plans since she cannot go home and be with her family for Thanksgiving.

“I’m not sure what I’m going to do yet. Maybe explore D.C. because I haven’t been able to do that before. Or maybe visit family in Virginia,” Henderson said. “I couldn’t go to the Friendsgiving event that Howard had, so now I am trying to figure out something else to do.” 

Multiple campus organizations, like the Howard University Royal Court, offer a Thanksgiving dinner event. However, those events are often scheduled to happen before Thanksgiving, leaving students to have to figure out other plans. Henderson has high hopes of making Thanksgiving break plans. 

“I really do wish that I could go home, even though I am going for winter break. But I’m sure I can try to find something else to do while here,” Henderson said.

While there is nothing that is quite like spending the festive holiday at home with family, there are ways to create an enjoyable Thanksgiving right in your dorm room. 

1. Give back to the D.C. Community 

Many DC organizations use the holiday as a time to focus on philanthropy and giving back. Volunteering is a great way to connect with others and make the holiday that much more meaningful for everyone involved. Organizations such as D.C. Central Kitchen, Food and Friends, and so others might eat, our great local organizations that work to give everyone in the DC area memories for the season.

2. Indulge in D.C.’s wonderful restaurants

Cooking in a dorm can be an enormous challenge of its own. However, lucky for you DC offers incredible restaurants all across the city that you can order and enjoy for your Thanksgiving meal. Some of the city’s favorites are the Hamilton, Founding Farmers, and the Smith, which all offer delicious home-cooked style meals that you can enjoy with your friends in the comfort of your dorm.

3. Explore D.C. Holiday Events 

In the fall and early winter, DC is one of the most beautiful cities in the entire country with numerous holiday events. There’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than to take advantage of the opportunities right in front of you. 

• The National Zoo hosts “Zoo Light” and the exhibit has a dazzling display of lights perfect to enjoy on a cold day. 
• If you want an activity that’s a bit more active, ice skating at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden could be a great option for you as well. 
• Lastly, D.C. has several holiday markets that are open around Thanksgiving, such as a downtown holiday market, where you can browse local crafts, food, and gifts for Christmas while enjoying the festive atmosphere.

4. Host a Friendsgiving

Valley of a group of friends who are also staying in town for the holiday and host a Friendsgiving in your dorm building. Even if you don’t have access to a full kitchen, you can still make a mini feast with simple dishes. Picking up premade meals and snacks from Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s near campus could give your feast a home-cooked vibe. The Friendsgiving is only as good as the effort put into it so make sure that you use a group effort to make the day extra special.

5. Attend a Thanksgiving Day parade or watch it on TV

Many of us have one of our memories of growing up watching the Macy’s Day parade on TV every Thanksgiving morning with our family and friends. What if I told you there were Thanksgiving parades that could be brought to you in DC? 

The Thanksgiving Day parade in  D.C. is typically out of the morning and is a fun option for seeing floats bands and performances. Well, it’s not as big as the one in New York. It’s a great local tradition and an even better way to meet people who are also in town for the holiday.

Thanksgiving away from home can feel challenging, but there are plenty of ways for students to make the most of the holiday in Washington, D.C. From volunteering and exploring the city’s holiday events to enjoying a meal at one of the city’s many restaurants or hosting a Friendsgiving with fellow students, there are ample opportunities to create meaningful experiences and memories.