A New Twist on Thanksgiving
Why Friendsgiving is the
Holiday You Need This Year
Sasha Bush
The Ashland Beacon
When most people think of the month of November, the first thing that typically comes to one’s mind is Thanksgiving. But have you ever heard of Friendsgiving? Friendsgiving is a relatively recent tradition that has quickly become a cherished way to celebrate Thanksgiving with friends, often as a more relaxed and informal alternative to the traditional family gathering. As the name suggests, it’s a “Thanksgiving for friends,” where close-knit groups come together to share a meal, express gratitude, and enjoy each other’s company. For many, Friendsgiving has become a beloved holiday of its own – one that holds special meaning for people who may not be able to travel home to their families or for those who prefer to spend the day with friends rather than relatives.
While Friendsgiving may feel like a long-established tradition, its exact origins are somewhat murky. Despite popular misconceptions, the term “Friendsgiving” was not first introduced by the TV show Friends, as one might assume given its catchy name. Rather, it appears the term started gaining traction around 2007, though its widespread use didn’t happen until a few years later. In fact, it wasn’t until 2011 that the phrase truly broke into the mainstream, when Baileys Irish Cream used it in an advertising campaign. Before then, the term was rarely seen online or in popular media.
While there isn’t a clear-cut story behind its creation, researchers and cultural commentators believe Friendsgiving may have been a response to the modern challenges and changes in how people celebrate the holidays. The idea likely emerged as a way for individuals – especially younger adults, students, or people living far from home – to create their own holiday traditions when they couldn’t be with family for Thanksgiving. For many, it offers a chance to still experience the joys of the holiday, like cooking and eating a big meal, but with a more relaxed atmosphere and a focus on friendships rather than familial obligations.
Friendsgiving is particularly meaningful for people who are geographically separated from their families or who can’t make it home for Thanksgiving due to work, school, weather conditions, or other factors. In many cases, it’s the only Thanksgiving celebration someone might have. For others, Friendsgiving provides a warm alternative to more traditional family gatherings, especially if there are strained relationships or distance involved.
Hosting a Friendsgiving is all about creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Unlike the formal, multicourse dinners of traditional Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving tends to be more casual. Most people opt for everyday dinnerware rather than fine china, and the dress code is usually relaxed, with jeans and a sweater being perfectly acceptable attire. If you’re feeling festive, a dinner table centerpiece can add a nice touch, but the focus should remain on good food and good company, not on extravagant decorations.
Unlike the formal dinner that often accompanies Thanksgiving with family – complete with long-standing traditions, specific dishes, and sometimes complex dynamics – Friendsgiving is typically a much more laid-back and stress-free version of Thanksgiving. The host may provide the main entrée, often a turkey, but guests usually bring their own contributions, whether that’s side dishes, appetizers, or desserts. This “potluck” type approach not only eases the hosting burden but also brings a personal touch to the event, with everyone contributing to the meal in some way. It is also a great way for everyone in attendance to be able to share some of their favorite dishes with those closest to them.
Friendsgiving can be as simple as a potluck-style meal, where each guest brings a dish, or it can be a more elaborate affair with a carefully curated menu. Some hosts choose to create their own unique traditions, such as a round of thanks before the meal or a special toast to commemorate the gathering. The beauty of Friendsgiving lies in its flexibility – there are no hard and fast rules.
While Friendsgiving is typically an adult-only affair, there are no strict rules, and many gatherings include children, especially if families or couples with young kids are involved. The key takeaway is that Friendsgiving is flexible and adaptable – it can be as simple or as elaborate as the host’s desire.
With Thanksgiving falling on the fourth Thursday of November, the ideal time to host a Friendsgiving celebration is often the weekend before the official holiday. Why not the weekend after? Well, that’s typically when many people are busy traveling home from family gatherings or preparing for Black Friday shopping. By hosting Friendsgiving ahead of time, you avoid competing with the Thanksgiving weekend rush and give your guests a chance to relax and enjoy the occasion.
Friendsgiving has quickly become more than just an alternative to family Thanksgiving – it has become a new way to celebrate gratitude and build meaningful memories that will be cherished for a lifetime to come. Whether you’re far from home or just looking for a change of pace, Friendsgiving provides an opportunity to express thanks for the friendships that enrich our lives. With its casual vibe and emphasis on togetherness Friendsgiving is a holiday that anyone can get behind.
“There are friends, there is family, and there are friends that become family.” – Unknown
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