What It Is
#Friendsgiving documents the millennial/Gen Z tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving with chosen family (friends) instead of or in addition to biological family gatherings.
Origins
The term appeared in a 2011 episode of Friends, but the cultural phenomenon exploded 2013-2016 as millennials:
- Lived far from hometowns
- Had complicated family relationships
- Wanted low-pressure holiday celebrations
- Valued chosen family over blood relations
How It Works
Unlike traditional Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving had flexible rules:
- Timing: Weekend before/after Thanksgiving (no PTO needed)
- Food: Potluck style, international dishes welcome (no turkey required)
- Dress code: Sweatpants > formal attire
- Vibe: Relaxed, booze-friendly, Instagram-worthy
Peak Era (2014-2019)
Friendsgiving became a lifestyle brand:
- Pinterest boards: Tablescape inspiration, DIY centerpieces
- Brands: Target, Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn launched Friendsgiving collections
- Social media: #Friendsgiving peaked 2016-2019 (3-4 million posts annually)
- Influencers: Hosted sponsored Friendsgiving content
The Menu Evolution
Unlike grandma’s Thanksgiving:
- Friendsgiving embraced fusion (tacos, ramen, pizza)
- Dietary restrictions welcomed (vegan, gluten-free options)
- Booze-forward (Friendsgiving punch, spiked cider)
- Dessert bars over single pie
Pandemic Impact (2020)
COVID-19 killed large Friendsgivings:
- Outdoor gatherings only
- Virtual Friendsgiving Zoom calls
- Small pod celebrations
- 2021-2022: Cautious return, smaller groups
Backlash
Critics called it:
- Commercialization of friendship
- Performative Instagram content
- Another dinner to host/attend (exhaustion)
- Gentrification of Thanksgiving