National Friendsgiving Day

Group of diverse friends gathered around a beautifully decorated table, wearing cozy sweaters, autumn-themed setting.. — National friendsgiving day illustration

Hey there my Thanksgiving-loving friend! Are you ready to learn all about National Friendsgiving Day? Well, get your stretchy pants on and let's dive right in!

When is Friendsgiving Day?

It's national friendsgiving day on the 19th November.

History of National Friendsgiving Day

Gather 'round, dear reader, as we unravel the tale of National Friendsgiving Day. Like a juicy turkey leg, this holiday has a story that goes way back. Back in 2007, a small group of friends in New York City found themselves far away from home during the Thanksgiving holiday. They decided to band together and create their own celebration, filled with laughter, love, and of course, food!

What started as a humble gathering quickly spread like cranberry sauce on a dinner plate. Social media, being the matchmaker of modern times, played a huge role in the popularization of National Friendsgiving Day. People across the country saw pictures of friends feasting on turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie, and they thought, 'Why don't we have one of these?'

The internet buzzed with excitement as the idea of Friendsgiving caught fire. Soon, Friendsgiving became more than just a substitute for traditional Thanksgiving; it became a way to celebrate the chosen family we have in our lives - our friends!

How to Celebrate National Friendsgiving Day

Celebrating National Friendsgiving Day is as easy as pie. Here's a little feast for thought:

Gather your closest pals: Reach out to your besties and plan a get-together. This is the time to invite your friends who may not have family nearby or are unable to travel during the Thanksgiving season.
Divide and conquer: Assign different dishes to each friend, potluck-style. Don't forget the classics like turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce, but encourage your friends to bring their own creative dishes too.
Embrace the spirit of giving: Just like Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving is a time to give back. Consider organizing a canned food drive or donating to a local charity. Spread the love!
Create new traditions: Friendsgiving is all about making memories. Whether it's a game of touch football, a movie marathon, or a friendly foosball tournament, let the good times roll!
Show gratitude: Take a moment during the feast to express gratitude for the wonderful friendships in your life. Raise a glass and toast to the friends who have your back through thick and thin.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the largest Friendsgiving feast ever recorded included 150 friends at one giant table? Talk about a food coma waiting to happen! That's a whole lotta thankful tummies!

History behind the term 'Friendsgiving'

2007

Emergence of the Term

In 2007, the term 'friendsgiving' was born as a playful blend of 'friend' and 'Thanksgiving'. It originated as a way to describe a Thanksgiving celebration among friends, where they gather to share a meal and express gratitude in a more relaxed and casual setting.

2007

The Birth of the Term

The term 'friendsgiving' was coined in 2007 as a combination of 'friend' and 'Thanksgiving'. It was first used on the television show 'Friends', season 10, episode 8, titled 'The One with the Late Thanksgiving'. The characters on the show, known for their tight-knit group of friends, celebrated a Thanksgiving-like gathering with their friends, giving rise to the term 'friendsgiving'.

2007

The Birth of Friendsgiving

The term 'Friendsgiving' was coined in 2007, blending the words 'friends' and 'Thanksgiving.' It emerged as a way for friends to celebrate Thanksgiving together, creating a sense of family and camaraderie for those who couldn't be with their biological families during the holiday.

2007

The Birth of Friendsgiving

The term 'Friendsgiving' was coined in 2007, combining the words 'friends' and 'Thanksgiving.' It originated as a way for people, especially young adults, to celebrate Thanksgiving with their friends instead of their families. It provided an opportunity for friends who couldn't travel home to still gather together and enjoy a festive meal.

2011

Spread on Social Media

The concept of friendsgiving gained momentum in 2011 with the rise of social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram. People began sharing photos and stories of their friendsgiving gatherings, spreading the term and the idea behind it. The hashtag #friendsgiving started popping up, further popularizing the concept.

2011

Popularity Spreading via Social Media

In 2011, Friendsgiving gained significant attention and popularity due to its endorsement on social media platforms, especially via Twitter and Instagram. Friends started sharing their Friendsgiving experiences, photos, and creative food ideas, which helped in spreading the concept to a wider audience.

2009

Friendsgiving Spreads Through Social Media

In 2009, the term 'friendsgiving' gained momentum when social media platforms, particularly Twitter, began to see an increase in the use of the hashtag #friendsgiving. People started sharing their own friendsgiving celebrations and delicious feasts, making the term more widely known and popular among young adults.

2011

Friendsgiving goes mainstream

By 2011, Friendsgiving gained popularity and started to go mainstream. The practice of celebrating Friendsgiving became a trendy alternative or addition to traditional Thanksgiving gatherings. It became an opportunity for friends to come together, share a meal, and express gratitude for their friendship.

2012

Friendsgiving in pop culture

In 2012, the term 'Friendsgiving' began to appear in pop culture as well. It was mentioned in various TV shows, movies, and even in a popular episode of the sitcom 'New Girl,' where the main characters held their own Friendsgiving celebration. This exposure further popularized the concept and led to wider adoption of the term.

2013

Recognition by Dictionaries

As the term gained widespread usage, dictionaries took notice. In 2013, both the Oxford English Dictionary and Merriam-Webster officially recognized 'friendsgiving' as a word, solidifying its place in the English language. Its inclusion recognized the cultural significance of the concept and its impact on modern-day celebrations.

2012

Friendsgiving Enters the Mainstream

By 2012, Friendsgiving had become a recognized term and entered the mainstream culture, as more young adults embraced this unofficial holiday. It started to gain media coverage, leading to articles, blog posts, and even TV shows discussing and showcasing the concept of Friendsgiving.

2011

Friendsgiving Becomes an Official Holiday

By 2011, 'friendsgiving' had gained enough cultural significance to be recognized as an official holiday. The concept of friendsgiving was embraced as a way for friends to come together and share a Thanksgiving-style meal, even if they couldn't be with their families on the actual holiday. This unofficial holiday became a way to celebrate and show appreciation for close friendships.

2015

Merriam-Webster's Recognition

In 2015, Friendsgiving reached a new level of cultural recognition when the term was added to the Merriam-Webster dictionary. Its inclusion solidified Friendsgiving as commonly used English slang and recognized it as a widely celebrated tradition among friends during the Thanksgiving season.

2014

Friendsgiving Enters Pop Culture

In 2014, 'friendsgiving' made its way into mainstream pop culture. Television shows and movies began featuring friendsgiving gatherings as part of their storylines, further solidifying the term's cultural impact. The idea of friends coming together for a festive meal, minus the family obligations, resonated with many and became a recognizable tradition.

2016

Commercialization and Popularity

By 2016, friendsgiving had become a popular cultural phenomenon. Restaurants and food brands started capitalizing on the trend by offering special friendsgiving menus and meal kits. The idea of celebrating Thanksgiving with friends rather than family resonated with many, especially for those unable to travel or without close family nearby.

2014

Friendsgiving becomes a cultural phenomenon

By 2014, Friendsgiving had become a cultural phenomenon. It gained significant attention on social media platforms, with people sharing their Friendsgiving traditions, recipes, and photos online. The hashtag '#Friendsgiving' became popular, helping to spread the concept and create a sense of virtual community for those participating in this non-traditional Thanksgiving celebration.

Present

Friendsgiving: A Contemporary Tradition

Today, friendsgiving has become a beloved contemporary tradition celebrated by many. It offers an opportunity for friends to create their own Thanksgiving-inspired traditions, often with a more casual and relaxed atmosphere. Friendsgiving has evolved beyond just sharing a meal and has now become a celebration of friendship and gratitude, fostering a sense of community and togetherness.

Present

Continued Popularity and Evolution

Friendsgiving continues to grow in popularity and evolve as a modern holiday tradition. It has become a beloved celebration for friends, allowing them to come together, express gratitude, and enjoy a Thanksgiving-like feast. It has also inspired variations like 'Vegan Friendsgiving' and 'Friendsmas' (friendship-based Christmas celebrations), demonstrating the lasting cultural impact of the term.

Present

Friendsgiving as a widely recognized celebration

Today, Friendsgiving is widely recognized as a modern tradition. It has become a cherished event for many, particularly among younger generations. Friendsgiving allows individuals to create their own traditions, experiment with food, and strengthen the bonds of friendship. Whether celebrated on the same day as Thanksgiving or on separate occasions, Friendsgiving continues to evolve, emphasizing the importance of chosen family and the spirit of gratitude.

Present

Continued Tradition

Today, friendsgiving has become a beloved tradition for many people, particularly young adults and urban dwellers. It offers an opportunity to gather with chosen family and close friends, creating a sense of community and togetherness during the holiday season. While it may have started as a playful term, friendsgiving now represents a meaningful celebration of friendship and gratitude.