Thanksgiving. That time of year where everyone packs their bags and makes their way to their family home to partake in the festivities and tradition of gorging on a delicious turkey while watching some all American football. This is something we all do…well most of us at least. However, there are many who are unable to go home for the holidays. International students and teachers can be thousands of miles away from home, making the journey back for Thanksgiving a near impossibility. Some in the LGBTQ+ community may not have the same welcoming party that others may be guaranteed when they return home. For others, it could just be that their friends are their family, meaning that when it comes to November 25th this year, many people who represent these three groups will be participating in what is called a Friendsgiving. 

“I think that when you’re away from home, your friends are like your family at school. So it’s nice to celebrate holidays with basically your second family. You know, spending time with my closest friends and having a homemade meal. I’m going to make food and drinks for my friends.” said Kyle Helker, a Finance Major at UW-Whitewater.

A Friendsgiving may not look very different from a traditional one. There will be food galore in every corner of the table. The dishes will be an array of delectable Thanksgiving favorites for everyone to devour at their leisure. Most important of all however, there will be smiles and laughter as friends make memories together that can be looked back at for years to come.

“We don’t get many holidays during the school year, but this is one of them. And I want to celebrate with my friends and have a night to remember. Hanging out, watching a movie. Just chilling all together. I am bringing some food for everyone and we are all going to eat together and watch a movie.” Said Theatre Major, Trevor Brilhart.

Having this time with friends is not only an event that brings high-spirits but also is seen as a leisurely activity from a hectic schedule that many are faced with when getting closer to the holidays.

Jazlyn Sebastion, an accounting major, is excited to spend time with her friends at Friendsgiving to help distract herself from school, “I plan on making some homemade punch that my family always makes on holidays.” Said Sebastion. 

Although Friendsgiving has only been officially recognized since the early 2000’s, it has now become more than just a trend, it has become as symbolic as Thanksgiving itself. Friendsgiving is a unique way to share a holiday with friends while also being a way to set up a place for many to feel a connection with those around them during the holiday season. I think it is safe to say that Friendsgiving will be a tradition for years to come.