A New Year Ode to Friendship

The holidays are here, and as the air gets crisp, it’s time to appreciate what truly matters: friends who show up, both figuratively and literally, even when you’ve assigned them the most unflattering character in your murder mystery game.

In the age of curated Instagram feeds and texting instead of talking, there’s something undeniably magical about gathering your people IRL. Sure, in-person meetups require real pants and the risk of someone noticing you’re “just not a salad person,” but that’s the beauty of true friendship. It thrives in the messy, awkward, unscripted moments—like botching your British accent while playing a Victorian detective at a mystery party.

So, let’s take a moment this holiday season to celebrate the messy joy of friends, our shared quirks, and, yes, the occasional plot twist.

In-person get-togethers are rare gems these days. Life happens: schedules clash, and let’s face it, we’re all a little too comfortable hiding behind our phones. But when friends manage to carve out time for a party—whether it’s to exchange Secret Santa gifts or accuse each other of murder (fictionally, of course)—it’s a gift in itself.

Hosting a murder mystery game is the perfect way to break the ice, even if your group knows each other so well they can predict your go-to potluck dish. It forces everyone to shed their everyday personas and embrace something new (like being a sinister butler or a femme fatale with a scandalous past). Plus, there’s nothing like pointing fingers over appetizers to remind you how much you cherish your chaotic little circle.

One of the best parts of a murder mystery party is how it mirrors real life—everybody’s got secrets, everyone’s a suspect, and no one really knows what’s going on until it’s over. If that doesn’t scream friendship, we don’t know what does.

Playing a ridiculous character for an evening is a humbling experience. It reminds us to accept each other’s quirks—whether that’s a tendency to over-explain party rules or a stubborn refusal to break character. The beauty of real friendship is that it thrives not despite our quirks but because of them.

Just like a well-planned mystery party, life with friends is about rolling with the plot twists, laughing at the absurdity, and embracing the moments when we don’t have all the answers.

If you’re still on the fence about hosting murder mystery party in 2025, let us assure you it’s worth it. Why? Because it combines everything we love true friendship—laughing until your sides hurt, being silly and building memories with the people who mean the most.

Here’s the formula for a successful event:

1. Choose a fun murder mystery game. Whether it’s a vintage whodunit or a modern noir, the key is picking a theme your crew will love. Bonus points if the costumes involve a ridiculous hat or monocle.

2. Keep the food simple. Murder is the main event, but no one solves crimes on an empty stomach. Finger foods and themed cocktails are a win. (Pro tip: name your drinks something punny like “Bloody Mary’s Alibi.”)

3. Lean into the absurd. Nobody’s going to remember if you nailed the décor, but they will remember your friend dramatically accusing their spouse of murder over dessert.

At the heart of it, holiday gatherings are about gratitude. We’re thankful for friends who tolerate our cheesy party ideas, forgive us when we accidentally ghost the group chat, and love us for who we are—even if who we are is a little awkward, overly competitive, or prone to stealing the spotlight at a mystery party.

So, here’s to celebrating the beautiful, hilarious, and sometimes cringe-worthy reality of friendship this holiday season. Plan that party, dress up as someone shady, and remember: life’s plot twists are better when shared with the people who know how to roll with the mystery.

After all, the holidays aren’t about perfection—they’re about connection. And if you can share a laugh over bad accents, worse acting, and too much eggnog, that’s a plotline worth remembering.