November just wouldn’t feel right without Friendsgiving. For nearly a decade, my friends and I have gathered a few weeks ahead of Thanksgiving to whip up delicious food, share laughter, and express gratitude for one another. This tradition has become something I truly treasure.
Growing up, I was surrounded by a bustling crowd of cousins, aunts, and uncles. With two sets of grandparents close by, I never felt lonely. My mom’s large Italian clan filled one side, while my dad’s lively French-Canadian family filled the other. Every holiday turned into a raucous celebration—a feast that felt like a joyful circus. It was every kid’s holiday dream.
Fast forward to today, and things have changed. The children from those chaotic gatherings are now adults with families of their own. Some family members have drifted apart, while others have moved far away. My family now lives over a thousand miles from where I grew up, and many of the older generation, including most of my grandparents, have sadly passed on. We do our best to stay connected, especially on my dad’s side, but big family holidays are mostly a thing of the past.
Locally, my husband has just one brother nearby, and I have my dad and his partner. That’s it. While we occasionally make the trek to visit extended family for special occasions, those instances are rare. I strive to create beautiful holiday moments for my close family, but our gatherings are quite intimate.
I used to worry that my kids were missing out on the bustling childhood I had, but luckily, they aren’t at all. My tight-knit friend group has stepped in as the aunts, uncles, and cousins that my kids lack in proximity. Our yearly Friendsgiving dinner is like the big, cousin-filled parties I cherished as a child.
My sisterhood consists of five incredible women who have supported each other through thick and thin. Over the years, many others have come and gone, but these five have weathered every storm together. We’ve shared everything from births to losses, and each other’s milestones feel like our own. It’s only natural that we set aside time every November to celebrate our friendship, given that we celebrate the actual holiday with our respective families. Friendsgiving has become a cherished time for us, where we can enjoy a potluck without worrying about someone’s cat licking the butter.
Every year, we know our friend Lisa, with her six kids, will arrive fashionably late, her children in matching outfits, and she’ll bring the most delicious sweet potatoes. Then there’s Sarah, who typically hosts since her home is the tidiest; she always goes overboard with decorations and kid-friendly activities. Our entrepreneur friend, Jenna, is always the first to arrive, juggling deadlines but never failing to bring her grandmother’s broccoli casserole. And let’s not forget about Mia, our quirky friend who shows up with a tiny bowl of fruit salad that always makes us laugh. And, of course, there’s me, bringing mashed potatoes and maybe a bit of anxiety but definitely lots of laughter.
Throughout the day, we revel in the sounds of our kids laughing and playing together. Our husbands bond over drinks while our kids keep each other entertained. Friendsgiving has truly become the highlight of my November. These unique quirks have formed our traditions and these friends are as integral to my life as my family.
My children may not have aunts and uncles nearby, but they’ve gained an extraordinary family through life’s twists of fate. Friendsgiving is our time to express gratitude for the beautiful life we share. The fact that we chose each other makes it all the more special.
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Summary
Friendsgiving has become my most cherished holiday tradition, providing a sense of family and belonging for my kids amidst a changing family landscape. Through laughter, food, and friendship, we celebrate the bonds we’ve formed over the years.
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