Thanksgiving is a centuries-old tradition celebrated in unique ways across the globe. While Thanksgiving is traditionally spent with relatives, many choose to change things up and celebrate with friends either before, after, or even in place of a family gathering—hence the portmanteau Friendsgiving. But what exactly is the origin of this modern, informal celebration?
When did it start?
Pinpointing the precise starting point of Friendsgiving is surprisingly complicated. When Friendsgiving was officially added to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary in 2020, the term’s origin was traced back to a 2007 tweet. However, the idea of celebrating Thanksgiving with friends existed long before social media. Many credit the popular 90’s sitcom Friends for popularizing the concept of spending the holidays with one’s closest companions. Looking even further down the rabbit hole, it can be found that the 1973 television special A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving centers around a group of friends sharing a holiday meal together. Regardless of its true origin, the term Friendsgiving began to spread widely after being used in a major ad campaign in 2011. By 2013, online searches for the term exponentially increased, securing Friendsgiving as a recognizable aspect of modern pop culture.
The significance
Though people celebrate Friendsgiving for a variety of reasons, the gathering resonates deeply for many within the LGBTQ+ community. For some LGBTQ+ individuals, coming out can strain or even sever ties with unsupportive biological family members. Friendsgiving provides a safe and comforting alternative to traditional family gatherings, where LGBTQ+ individuals can celebrate with their “chosen family” in an environment filled with unconditional love, acceptance, warmth, and the freedom to be themselves. On even broader scales, Friendsgiving also resonates with millennials and Gen Z, demographics often dealing with delayed traditional milestones like parenthood, marriage, and homeownership compared to their older counterparts. As people start building new forms of community and redefine what family looks like, Friendsgiving becomes a meaningful tradition that reinforces the idea that family is not defined strictly by blood, but also trust and connection.
How to Celebrate?
After reading about Friendsgiving’s history, you might be wondering how exactly you’re supposed to celebrate it—or whether there are any “unspoken rules.” The good news is there aren’t any strict rules as Friendsgiving is intentionally meant to be flexible. While Thanksgiving may evoke the rituals and expectations of family gatherings, Friendsgiving is there for you to create your own traditions with the people who matter most to you. Some host potlucks, organize themed dinners, or plan weeks in advance—others may throw everything together spontaneously! All you really need is good food, great company, and the shared spirit of gratitude.
In the end, Friendsgiving is what you make it—whether it be a chance to celebrate friendship, reflect on the year, or simply to enjoy the warmth and company of whomever feels right.
Sources:
https://www.wwlp.com/home-for-the-holidays/friendsgiving-what-is-it-and-where-did-it-come-from/
https://outcoast.com/the-ultimate-lgbtq-friendly-friendsgiving-guide-plan-the-perfect-feast/
https://medium.com/@scottasai/3-reasons-why-millennials-invented-friendsgiving-1aa59c529882
https://www.npr.org/2025/11/19/nx-s1-5605483/friendsgiving-thanksgiving-friends-history-tips
