A. Navarro

“Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.”

― C.S. Lewis

According to Merriam Webster, the first online mentions of “Friendsgiving” dates back to Twitter posts in 2007. However, it is assumed that the word floated around long before its Twitter debut, as per its sudden appearance.

The event is celebrated a few weeks or days before or after Thanksgiving, and is an indulgent gathering of friends, food, and booze.

Friendsgiving, like friendship, came along in a hazy yet natural way. Do you remember the moment your friend became your friend? Like friendship itself, Friendsgiving has developed into a construct of laugher, joy, and comradery.

The Atlantic describes the celebration as “[having] become a widely celebrated American holiday in its own right.”

Statistics show that Instagram searches of #Friendsgiving has grown from approximately 960,000  in 2013 to 1,724,517 in 2022. Moreover, Google searches of the term have grown in popularity since 2014, with the term having maintained over half popularity since 2014, according to Google Trends.

Although Penn State Abington is not hosting any Friendsgiving celebrations this year, consider hosting your own with your friends.

Spoon University lists the following easy-to-make and budget friendly meals to bring during your Friendsgiving dinner:

• Sweet Potato Oaties
• Classic Green beans Casserole
• Mushroom Gravy
• Pumpkin Pie Spring Rolls
• Vegetarian Stuffed Squash
• Pumpkin Spice Brussel Sprouts
• Baked Mac and Cheese
• Turkey Meatballs
• Cranberry Sauce
• Broccoli Cheddar Rice Cups
• Mashed Cauliflower

Seventeen lists 25 fun Friendsgiving activities, some include decorating pumpkins, hosting a movie marathon, and playing flag football.

Consider incorporating these ideas for your celebrations this year— whether Friends or Thanksgiving!