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A modern twist on the traditional Thanksgiving celebration, Friendsgiving is focused on gathering with friends rather than family. It's a time to enjoy great food, laughter, and the company of your chosen family. Whether it's held before, after, or in place of the official holiday, Friendsgiving has become a beloved tradition for many.
Click on to explore what Friendsgiving really is, and how to celebrate it with fun and meaningful traditions.
The term "Friendsgiving" was officially added to the Merriam-Webster dictionary in January 2020 after being featured on their 'Words We're Watching' list. A blend of "friends" and "Thanksgiving," it refers to an informal version of the holiday celebrated with friends.
The first recorded use of "Friendsgiving" dates back to a 2007 tweet, according to Merriam-Webster. Some credit the TV show 'Friends' for popularizing the idea, while others believe a 2011 Baileys Irish Cream ad campaign helped spark its rise.
Although Friendsgiving is a recent tradition, it has quickly grown in popularity. It blends the spirit of Thanksgiving with the joy of spending time with close friends.
Friendsgiving allows you to celebrate gratitude, food, and friendship outside of family dynamics. It's a perfect opportunity to create meaningful traditions with the people you care about most.
Friendsgiving typically takes place the weekend before or after Thanksgiving. This allows everyone to celebrate with family on the official holiday, while still enjoying a special meal with friends.
Inviting friends to your Friendsgiving is the first step. You can keep it casual with a small gathering, or go all out with a large celebration.
A key element of Friendsgiving is food. Most people prepare traditional Thanksgiving dishes, but it's common to add fun twists and even dishes from different cultures.
Many Friendsgiving gatherings are potluck-style, where each guest brings a dish. This makes the event more relaxed and ensures that everyone contributes, giving each person a chance to showcase their cooking.
Although you can get creative, some traditional Thanksgiving foods are essential for a successful Friendsgiving, like turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
For Friendsgiving, you can serve wine, beer, cider, or create a signature cocktail. Non-alcoholic options should also be available for those who prefer them.
No meal is complete without dessert. You can serve the classic pumpkin pie, or go wild with fun options like cupcakes, cookies, or even a Friendsgiving-themed cake.
One of the joys of Friendsgiving is personalizing the meal. Friends may bring their own family recipes, introduce new flavors, or add fun non-traditional dishes.
Even though Friendsgiving is more informal than the traditional Thanksgiving dinner, a little decor can set the mood. Fall-themed decorations like pumpkins, candles, and autumn leaves create a cozy atmosphere.
Even though Friendsgiving is a newer holiday, it's a great time to start your own traditions. This could include a special toast, an annual game, or even a themed dress code.
For a twist, consider an outdoor Friendsgiving. Grilling and dining under the open sky adds a relaxed vibe and a laid-back atmosphere.
You can arrange a long table for everyone to sit at or create a buffet-style spread for a more casual and flexible dining experience.
Much like Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving is a time to express gratitude. Taking a moment to share what you're thankful for brings depth and meaning to the gathering, fostering a sense of connection.
Friendsgiving doesn't have to be celebrated in your home. You can host the event at a park, a beach, or even rent a cozy cabin to change things up.
Friendsgiving is all about having fun. Whether through games, karaoke, or sharing funny memories, making the event playful ensures everyone has a good time.
Consider adding a charitable element to your Friendsgiving, such as donating food to those in need, or volunteering together as a group.
In today's digital age, you can also celebrate Friendsgiving virtually. Using video calls, everyone can enjoy the meal together, sharing their food and stories from a distance.
While Friendsgiving is about celebrating with close friends, it's also an opportunity to welcome new people into your circle. This inclusive spirit makes the event feel more communal and inviting.
While not traditional, a small gift exchange can be a fun addition to Friendsgiving. You could do a secret Santa-style exchange, or bring small, personalized gifts for your closest friends.
Capture the memories by taking photos throughout the evening. A group photo at the table or candid shots of people enjoying themselves will give you lasting memories to look back on.
After the big meal, allow time for everyone to relax. This could mean watching movies, chatting, or taking a stroll outside.
Keep the fun going with games! A few rounds of charades, trivia, or a Friendsgiving-inspired scavenger hunt can help break the ice and make the event more engaging for all guests.
Music sets the tone for any gathering. Curate a playlist with your friends' favorite tunes or a mix of relaxing background music that creates a nice ambiance during the meal.
Friendsgiving is more than just a meal, it's a celebration of friendship. It's the perfect time to create lasting memories, turning it into a tradition everyone can look forward to each year.
Sources: (Delish) (The Pioneer Woman)
See also: Delicious Thanksgiving dessert recipes
What is Friendsgiving, and how do you celebrate it?
Tell your friends to mark their calendars!
LIFESTYLE Thanksgiving
A modern twist on the traditional Thanksgiving celebration, Friendsgiving is focused on gathering with friends rather than family. It's a time to enjoy great food, laughter, and the company of your chosen family. Whether it's held before, after, or in place of the official holiday, Friendsgiving has become a beloved tradition for many.
Click on to explore what Friendsgiving really is, and how to celebrate it with fun and meaningful traditions.