The original Friendsgiving appeared in 1973 with “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving,” where Charlie Brown and the whole gang of “Peanuts” characters gather for a meal cooked by Snoopy. Flash forward to 1998, when, in a “Friends” Thanksgiving special, Monica Geller sports a turkey with sunglasses on her head to cheer Chandler up. The “New Girl” episode titled “Thanksgiving,” airing in 2011, displays the chaotic dynamic of apartment 3D as they throw together a quick dinner that Jess impulsively invites her work crush to. The “New Girl” cast does whatever it takes to get it done — even if that means defrosting a turkey in the dryer. These pop-culture examples show how tradition can be created out of anything, as long as the people in attendance feel like home.
Friendsgiving is not just something that we watch on TV. It is defined as a Thanksgiving celebration with one’s friends, as opposed to one’s family. And it is becoming more and more common. Friendsgiving stemmed from a practical need: college students who were unable to commute home during the holiday were able to celebrate the tradition with their peers. With the global financial crisis of the Great Recession in 2007 and 2008, the cost of transportation by flight — for lack of a better word — soared. It became more practical to have a simple meal with close friends. With the rise of mainstream media in the 2010s, Friendsgiving gained popularity through TV, movies and social media.
Though it has been popular in the media over time, Friendsgiving is more than just a trend, it is an opportunity to celebrate found families. For some, Thanksgiving is a holiday filled with stress and high tension, while others may want to avoid complicated family dynamics altogether. Friendsgiving offers a relaxed and casual opportunity to enjoy the company of some of your closest friends. Based less on rigid and old-fashioned expectations, you are able to freely create your own traditions and connections to curate an enjoyable experience, celebrating your own version of the fall tradition that has taken over the season.
It is not complicated to host your own Friendsgiving. Your get-together does not have to consist of 20 people; it can even have just two. It is a great opportunity to stay connected with your favorite people and strengthen bonds by creating more memories. You can even make Friendsgiving your own through special rituals or customs that bring your cohort closer. From unique dinner themes to specific dishes for potlucks, your Friendsgiving will become the tradition you choose, whichever way you customize it.
Friendsgiving has grown to have a meaning beyond the traditional Thanksgiving dinner, with turkey and cranberry sauce. The feasts often boast vast collections of flavors and culinary styles representing each attendee. Beyond what is on the table, Friendsgiving developed into a valuable seasonal dinner that strengthens relationships with shared friends. Seeking communities beyond blood relations displays the shift in how we define family; the emphasis of nurtured friendships in modern culture highlights the values of the new age.
The not-so-new tradition of Friendsgiving gives us an opportunity to show our gratitude towards people who bring us comfort, stability, connection and happiness in a fun and lighthearted way. The resurgence in this warm holiday celebration allows us to feel gratitude for each person we choose to surround ourselves with. While it is definitely fun to recreate the hottest celebrities’ take on Friendsgiving, it is considerably more intimate to base your traditions on your cherished companions. Every person’s distinct personality and favorite dishes combine in a way to create a unique and unforgettable dinner, which is what makes Friendsgiving such a special tradition.