Friendsgiving

By: Maecy Hunt

Friendsgiving might honestly be one of my favorite modern traditions out there. It’s basically Thanksgiving—but with your friends instead of family (and usually way fewer awkward political debates). It’s become a chill, cozy way for teens and young adults to celebrate friendship, gratitude, and, of course, food.

The best part? There are zero strict rules. Some groups do it the weekend before Thanksgiving, others wait until after. You basically just pick a day, invite your favorite people, and make sure there’s food. Lots of food. The main idea is simple: hang out, eat good stuff, and take a break from school, work, and life in general.

Most Friendsgivings are potluck-style, which means everyone brings something to share. Someone brave might take on the turkey (or just grab a rotisserie chicken), while others show up with mac and cheese, desserts, or drinks. It’s not about perfect recipes—it’s about everyone pitching in. Although, let’s be real, there’s always that one friend who insists on cooking the whole meal so the rest of us can just relax and enjoy.

But Friendsgiving isn’t only about stuffing your face. It’s also about remembering why we’re thankful for the people in our lives. Some groups do gratitude notes or go around sharing what they appreciate most; it sounds cheesy, but it’s heartwarming and it’s a good reminder to stay grateful.

In a world that’s always rushing, Friendsgiving gives us a moment to slow down, laugh too hard, and make memories that stick. Whether you’re at a fancy dinner table or sitting on the floor with paper plates, it’s not about the setup, it’s about the people you’re with. Because honestly, the best part of Friendsgiving isn’t the food—it’s the friends.