As the holiday season approaches, many of us are excited to spend time with our loved ones, indulge in delicious food, and create lasting memories. While Thanksgiving is traditionally a time to gather with family, some people have started to celebrate Friendsgiving, either on the same day or shortly after. But is it weird to have Friendsgiving after Thanksgiving, or is it a wonderful way to extend the holiday cheer?
What is Friendsgiving, Anyway?
Before we dive into the debate, let’s define what Friendsgiving is. Friendsgiving is a social gathering where friends come together to share a meal, often with a Thanksgiving theme. It’s a time to catch up with close friends, enjoy good food and company, and express gratitude for the friendships in our lives. Friendsgiving can be celebrated on the same day as Thanksgiving, the day before, or even the weekend after.
A Brief History of Friendsgiving
While Friendsgiving is not a new concept, it has gained popularity in recent years, especially among younger generations. The term “Friendsgiving” was first coined in the early 2000s, but the idea of gathering with friends during the holiday season dates back to the 19th century. In the past, Friendsgiving was often seen as a way for people who couldn’t be with their families on Thanksgiving to still celebrate the holiday.
Pros of Having Friendsgiving After Thanksgiving
So, is it weird to have Friendsgiving after Thanksgiving? Not necessarily. In fact, there are several benefits to celebrating Friendsgiving after the main event.
Less Stress, More Fun
One of the main advantages of having Friendsgiving after Thanksgiving is that it can be less stressful than hosting a large family gathering. When you’re not worried about pleasing your relatives or dealing with family drama, you can focus on enjoying good food and company with your friends.
A Chance to Relax and Unwind
After the chaos of Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving can be a great opportunity to relax and unwind with people you love. You can take a break from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and simply enjoy each other’s company.
A Time to Express Gratitude
Friendsgiving is also a wonderful way to express gratitude for your friendships. In a world where relationships are often taken for granted, taking the time to appreciate your friends can be incredibly rewarding.
Cons of Having Friendsgiving After Thanksgiving
While there are many benefits to having Friendsgiving after Thanksgiving, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider.
Overeating and Burnout
One of the main concerns about having Friendsgiving after Thanksgiving is that it can lead to overeating and burnout. Let’s face it: Thanksgiving is already a time of indulgence, and adding another large meal to the mix can be overwhelming.
Conflicting Schedules
Another potential issue with having Friendsgiving after Thanksgiving is that it can be difficult to coordinate schedules. With so many people traveling or hosting family gatherings, it can be hard to find a time that works for everyone.
How to Make Friendsgiving After Thanksgiving Work
If you’re considering having Friendsgiving after Thanksgiving, here are a few tips to make it work:
Keep it Simple
One of the best ways to avoid burnout and overeating is to keep your Friendsgiving celebration simple. Instead of hosting a large, elaborate meal, consider a potluck or a casual gathering with snacks and drinks.
Choose a Different Menu
To avoid the same old Thanksgiving menu, consider choosing a different theme or cuisine for your Friendsgiving celebration. This can help keep things fresh and exciting.
Be Mindful of Schedules
When planning your Friendsgiving celebration, be mindful of your friends’ schedules and preferences. Consider hosting a smaller gathering or scheduling it for a time that works for everyone.
Alternatives to Friendsgiving After Thanksgiving
If you’re not sure about having Friendsgiving after Thanksgiving, there are plenty of alternative options to consider.
Host a Pre-Thanksgiving Gathering
Instead of hosting Friendsgiving after Thanksgiving, consider hosting a pre-Thanksgiving gathering. This can be a great way to kick off the holiday season and celebrate with friends before the chaos of Thanksgiving.
Plan a Winter Gathering
Another option is to plan a winter gathering with friends, separate from Thanksgiving. This can be a great way to celebrate the holiday season without feeling overwhelmed or burnt out.
Conclusion
In conclusion, having Friendsgiving after Thanksgiving is not weird at all. In fact, it can be a wonderful way to extend the holiday cheer and celebrate with the people you love. By keeping things simple, choosing a different menu, and being mindful of schedules, you can make Friendsgiving after Thanksgiving a success. So go ahead, gather your friends, and give thanks for the amazing relationships in your life.
| Pros of Having Friendsgiving After Thanksgiving | Cons of Having Friendsgiving After Thanksgiving |
|---|---|
| Less stress, more fun | Overeating and burnout |
| A chance to relax and unwind | Conflicting schedules |
| A time to express gratitude |
- Keep it simple
- Choose a different menu
In the end, whether or not to have Friendsgiving after Thanksgiving is up to you and your friends. What’s most important is that you’re celebrating the relationships that matter most in your life.
What is Friendsgiving and how does it differ from Thanksgiving?
Friendsgiving is a social gathering where friends come together to celebrate and share a meal, often around the time of Thanksgiving. While Thanksgiving is traditionally a family-centered holiday, Friendsgiving is an opportunity for friends to bond and express gratitude for one another. The main difference between the two celebrations is the focus on friendships rather than family ties.
Friendsgiving can be celebrated on the same day as Thanksgiving or on a different day, depending on the preferences of the group. Some people may choose to host Friendsgiving on the day before or after Thanksgiving, while others may prefer to celebrate it on a completely different weekend. The flexibility of Friendsgiving allows friends to come together and celebrate at a time that works best for everyone.
Is it weird to celebrate Friendsgiving after Thanksgiving?
Not at all. Celebrating Friendsgiving after Thanksgiving is a great way to extend the holiday season and spend quality time with friends. Many people find that the days following Thanksgiving are a great opportunity to relax and unwind with friends, away from the hustle and bustle of family gatherings. By celebrating Friendsgiving after Thanksgiving, friends can enjoy a more low-key and intimate celebration.
In fact, celebrating Friendsgiving after Thanksgiving can be a wonderful way to cap off the holiday weekend. It allows friends to come together, share stories, and reflect on the things they’re grateful for. Plus, it’s a great excuse to enjoy another delicious meal and some quality time with friends.
How do I plan a Friendsgiving celebration?
Planning a Friendsgiving celebration is similar to planning any other social gathering. Start by deciding on a date and time that works for everyone, and then choose a venue or host’s home. You can also decide on a theme, menu, and activities to make the celebration more enjoyable. Consider asking each guest to bring a dish to share, which can help with food and make the celebration feel more collaborative.
Once you have the basics planned, you can start thinking about the details. You can create a playlist, decorate the space, and plan some fun activities or games to play. You can also consider having a potluck where everyone brings a dish to share, or you can have a more formal sit-down dinner. The key is to make the celebration feel special and enjoyable for everyone involved.
What are some fun activities to do at a Friendsgiving celebration?
There are many fun activities you can do at a Friendsgiving celebration, depending on the preferences of your group. Some ideas include playing games, watching a movie, or going on a hike. You can also consider having a wine and cheese tasting, or doing a group craft project. The key is to choose activities that are enjoyable and inclusive for everyone.
Another idea is to have a gratitude circle, where each person shares something they’re grateful for. This can be a meaningful way to reflect on the things that matter most in life, and to connect with friends on a deeper level. You can also consider having a photo booth, or doing a group volunteer project. The possibilities are endless, and the most important thing is to choose activities that feel fun and enjoyable for everyone.
Can I celebrate Friendsgiving if I’m not American?
Absolutely. Friendsgiving is a celebration that can be enjoyed by people of all cultures and backgrounds. While Thanksgiving is a traditionally American holiday, the idea of coming together with friends to share a meal and express gratitude is universal. You can celebrate Friendsgiving in any way that feels meaningful and enjoyable to you, regardless of your cultural background.
In fact, celebrating Friendsgiving can be a great way to connect with friends from different cultures and backgrounds. You can share traditional dishes and customs from your own culture, and learn about the traditions of others. The key is to approach the celebration with an open mind and a willingness to learn and share.
How can I make my Friendsgiving celebration more meaningful?
There are many ways to make your Friendsgiving celebration more meaningful. One idea is to focus on the things you’re grateful for, and to express appreciation for the friends in your life. You can also consider doing a group volunteer project, or making a donation to a charity in someone’s name. The key is to approach the celebration with a sense of intention and purpose.
Another idea is to create a tradition or ritual that feels meaningful to your group. This could be something as simple as sharing a meal together, or doing a group activity. The key is to create a sense of connection and community, and to make the celebration feel special and enjoyable for everyone involved. By approaching the celebration with a sense of intention and purpose, you can create a meaningful and memorable experience for everyone.