A Friendly Alternative to Thanksgiving

Each year, as soon as Halloween is over, we are inundated with advertising for the next holiday in line – Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays as it focuses on gratitude and spending time with loved ones, not materialistic elements of other celebrations.

For some, Thanksgiving can be a time of loneliness and isolation. Those who are not close to family for geographical or other reasons, often find themselves without a place to spend the holiday.

Friendsgiving is a relatively recent holiday that can be the answer for those who find themselves alone. Combining the words “friends” and “Thanksgiving,” the event is typically celebrated with close friends either instead of or in addition to family. This informal holiday has grown in popularity over the past couple of decades, especially among younger people and those who may not be able to travel home for Thanksgiving.

The exact origin of Friendsgiving isn’t entirely clear, but it seems to have emerged around the early 2000s. The term gained wider popularity through social media and pop culture. In recent years, brands and social media influencers have further promoted the trend, making Friendsgiving a mainstream phenomenon.

There are a lot of benefits that have grown out of the popularity of Friendsgiving. It provides an opportunity for people to strengthen friendships in a more intimate and celebratory manner.  It’s a great way to include those who may be feeling alienated from a tradition Thanksgiving or live far away from family.  Friendsgiving gives people the option to express their gratitude for the people in their lives in a personal and heartfelt manner.

Although often celebrated on the same day as Thanksgiving, many people have used the flexibility of the non-traditional aspect and choose to hold Friendsgiving on another day in November. This can allow friends to gather as well as spend Thanksgiving day with their families.

Another break in tradition is that Friendsgiving gatherings vary widely. Some mirror a traditional Thanksgiving meal, while others include potluck-style contributions from each guest. Friends may personalize the celebration to reflect their collective personalities, sometimes adding fun twists like themed menus, games, or charitable giving. Friendsgiving is typically low-key and casual, and its popularity is linked to the relaxed, friendly atmosphere it fosters.

The most important thing about a Friendsgiving gathering is that it shares the spirit of the Thanksgiving holiday. Which is to give thanks and share gratitude for those people who are important in your life.