A Cozy Friendsgiving
Less but More
Let me explain. This year’s Friendsgiving may have had less in terms of those that could get together, but those who were able to get together made it a memorable time, as we’ve done the past several years. It was slower pace, but in a good way. It was time to unwind, take it easy, and just hang out. This November took place in North Carolina, in a cabin on a lake – a very familiar trend! Over the 3-4 days we had, there was a mix hiking, town sightseeing, nerf guns, car troubles and plenty of board games.
How it Started
Looking back on the trip, it was by far the easiest and shortest feeling road trip I’ve driven. The scenery was still mostly vibrant colors painting the mountain roads to the cabin, and leaves formed a fall mosaic all across the ground, signaling winter was soon approaching. This year J and L were hosting Friendsgiving, which held a little more meaning as North Carolina would soon be there new home in 2026. Some new friends, and old friends joined in as we kicked off the Friendsgiving with a hike to the top of an observation tower and celebrated with some craft beers in a nearby town. Later on, we collected every color of fall leaves and relaxed at the lake before the wind and cold had us scurrying back to the cabin.
Somewhere along the way, the cabin driveway got the better of the car, and L and I had to perform emergency car surgery to replace an air intake pipe with none other than the trusty duct tape! We’re basically pros now. At this point, temperatures were dropping and cabin life was quickly becoming the majority vote. This could only mean one thing – board game time.
The Favorites
The years before, we were snow warriors – hiking knee-deep in snowshoes up mountains and penguin sliding down. And as much as I enjoy those activities, this year was a change I cherished in ways far different than before. For a majority of the Friendsgiving in the cabin, it was Mila, J, L and myself. We had a great time when our friends were able to join. We had another fabulous Friendsgiving dinner with Mila creating a perfect assembly line of helpers. We played the most absurd ‘Murder in the Dark’ game with crazy hiding spots and busted out Werewolf again after a long hiatus.
But when it was back to the four of us, things slowed down. It was peaceful. We all moved at our own speed. I reminisce on how many games of Everdell we played, both J and L whooping my butt in Clank, L getting me into Pokémon TCG (something I didn’t think I’d like after so much MTG), the fancy tea Mila will not stop drinking now, the nerf gun target practice and getting to share the first snow with them. Less was more. We may have not had the extensive itinerary of year’s past, but sharing a cabin with friends and simply being able to hang out really made it something more.
Distance doesn't Matter
As I mentioned earlier, this year’s Friendsgiving may have been lighter, but that wouldn’t hold us back. Not long after North Carolina, we had another Friendsgiving for all our Orlando people. And if that weren’t enough, we played it back again and attended a murder mystery party as a farewell to J and L and wishing them best of luck on their move. So this year, what am I thankful for? I’m thankful for those that show up. I’m thankful for this group of friends we get to share the years with. Even if there may now be some more distance in between, ‘Friends’ always find a way.
To J and L!
-ML
Michael Lakus
IT professional, athlete, musician, ponderer of many things... Born and raised in Florida, I began traveling internationally after college. I created this site primarily to remind myself of where I've been and to share my experiences on traveling with a quirky, stress-free, travel attitude.
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