Balancing work while finding time to spend with family during the holiday season can seem impossible. For many, November is a packed month, but amid all the chaos, Thanksgiving, an American favorite, offers a moment to take a breath and reflect. Friendsgiving, a spin on the holiday, is an annual tradition among the younger generations. While both are meaningful gatherings, Friendsgiving spotlights our chosen families, giving us a chance to show our appreciation for the people who shape us.
“Friendsgiving is a time for everyone to set aside their differences and really connect with each other,” senior Violet Goldman shared. “It is an opportunity to celebrate friendships, eat good food, and leave the past behind.” For her, the most memorable moments aren’t the unique dishes served but the conversations around the table. “This year we went around the table and shared what we were thankful for,” Goldman reflected. “It was truly meaningful; everyone was willing to be genuine and vulnerable.”
Kimberly Washington, executive assistant to the head of school, hosts family and friends each year, and says the holiday has become a treasured tradition in her family. Her favorite moments are the simple ones, “when all of our loved ones can be together.” When reflecting, Washington shared she feels most grateful “when everyone comes together in good health and good spirits…those who haven’t had good years can smile and feel uplifted. Food is comfort.”
Whether celebrating with new or old friends, family, a homemade meal, catered, or potluck-style, it is undeniable that Friendsgiving reminds us of the importance of community. In a season filled with deadlines, stress, and the unexpected, we all need moments to slow down and reflect. Friendsgiving offers a night centered on gratitude, where our families expand, including the people we choose again and again.
