Here we are, on the cusp of the holiday season. For many, these next two months will be filled with making memories with extended family, all gathered happily around the table enjoying one another’s company. But for some, this is not the reality of what this season holds.
Some people live too far away from family to realistically get together every year. Some have strained or estranged relationships with family members. And some simply do not have extended family to gather with for Thanksgiving or Christmas. If this is you, you don’t have to be alone on Thanksgiving. Fortunately, the concept of Friendsgiving has become normalized and celebrated in our culture. Friends are chosen family, and gathering with them during the holidays can be just as wonderful and meaningful as gathering with relatives.
What is Friendsgiving?
Friendsgiving, like a lot of modern slang, originated on Twitter. The term first appeared on the social media site in 2007, although many also trace its origins to the hit television series Friends. Regardless of where the term came from, its meaning is simple: a combination of Friends + Thanksgiving, or a gathering of chosen family on or around Turkey Day. Many celebrate Friendsgiving on the Wednesday before or the Friday after Thanksgiving, but there are no official rules. If you and some friends are without plans on the actual day of Thanksgiving, hold it then!
How to Host Friendsgiving
Just like hosting a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, a Friendsgiving gathering takes at least some advanced planning, depending on how complicated or simple you want your event to be.
Sometimes simple and easy make for the best gatherings. This post from Collin County Moms shares tips for hosting a very simple Friendsgiving.
This post by Dallas Moms, reminds us of the most important parts of any gathering with people you love.
Friendsgiving Food
Food is crucial for any holiday gathering, and Friendsgiving is no exception. Here are some simple, delicious ideas for your special day.
18 Friendsgiving Food Ideas from Insanely Good
20 Easy Dishes to Make Friendsgiving Even Better from MyRecipes
Easy Friendsgiving Recipes from Bake it With Love
23 Make-Ahead Friendsgiving Dishes to Make Hosting a Breeze from EatingWell
This month, consider rounding up some friends and having your own celebration. Friendsgiving combines all the wonderful parts of a traditional Thanksgiving, but with only the people you choose to spend this time with. We hope these ideas inspire you to create a new tradition with your own chosen family.