Friendsgiving is a celebration of Thanksgiving with chosen or close friends, often held in addition to or instead of traditional family gatherings. Chosen family refers to people who may not be related by blood but are considered as family due to the close emotional bonds they share.
Here’s what Friendsgiving with chosen family typically involves:
Gathering of Friends: Friendsgiving brings together friends who might not be able to celebrate Thanksgiving with their biological families. It’s a time to enjoy each other's company and share gratitude.
Feast and Sharing: Like a traditional Thanksgiving meal, Friendsgiving involves a potluck-style feast where everyone brings a dish to share. This could include classic Thanksgiving dishes like turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce, or it might incorporate diverse cuisines and creative dishes.
Bonding and Activities: Beyond the meal, Friendsgiving often includes activities that promote bonding and fun among friends. This might involve games, storytelling, or simply spending quality time together.
Expressing Gratitude: Just like Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving emphasizes gratitude. It’s a time to reflect on the blessings of friendship and the support received from the chosen family.
Creating Traditions: Many groups establish their own traditions for Friendsgiving, such as a particular activity, a special dish, or a yearly gathering theme. These traditions help create a sense of belonging and continuity.
Overall, Friendsgiving with chosen family is a heartwarming celebration where friends come together to share a meal, express gratitude, and strengthen their bonds in a family-like setting.
How to incorporate plants from the garden :
Gardening at Friendsgiving can be a fantastic activity, especially if your chosen family enjoys spending time outdoors and getting their hands dirty! Here’s how you might incorporate gardening into your Friendsgiving celebration:
Herb Potluck: Consider having a mini herb garden activity where each friend brings a small herb plant or seeds. Then, together, you can pot these herbs, label them, and distribute them among friends. It’s a lovely way for everyone to take home a piece of the gathering and enjoy fresh herbs in their cooking.
Decorative Planting: Get creative with planting succulents or small decorative plants. Provide pots, soil, and various plants or cuttings. Friends can design and create their own potted plants to take home as a memento of the gathering.
Bulb Planting: Fall is a great time for planting flower bulbs like tulips or daffodils. Consider having a bulb-planting session where friends can collectively plant bulbs in a designated garden area, ensuring beautiful blooms for the following spring.
DIY Garden Markers: Set up a crafting station where friends can create personalized garden markers. Use materials like wooden sticks, paint, and markers to make unique labels for plants or herbs.
Garden Planning: If it’s not planting season, you can still engage in gardening by planning. Discuss and sketch out potential garden layouts, exchange gardening tips, or simply dream up future gardening projects together.
Harvest and Cook: If you have a garden or access to fresh produce, consider incorporating a harvest element into your Friendsgiving meal. Friends can gather vegetables or herbs from the garden and use them in dishes prepared for the celebration.
Combining gardening activities with Friendsgiving not only allows everyone to engage in a shared activity but also creates lasting memories and a sense of unity through the joy of gardening together.