As Thanksgiving approaches, there’s a new trend among young Americans that’s taking the spotlight: Friendsgiving. A recent study reveals that a significant number of young people now prefer this alternative celebration to the traditional family gathering. According to a survey of 2,000 individuals aged 18-38, 68% said they would rather celebrate Friendsgiving than Thanksgiving.
No Family Drama, No Problem
For many young adults, the appeal of Friendsgiving is clear. 58% of respondents cited avoiding personal questions from relatives as one of the key reasons they prefer it. While traditional Thanksgiving dinners often come with probing questions about careers, relationships, and life choices, Friendsgiving offers a more relaxed and comfortable environment to spend time with close friends without the pressure. Additionally, 40% of those surveyed enjoy the freedom of not having to hold their tongue at the dinner table, and 38% appreciate not worrying about offending any relatives.
A Stress-Free Celebration
Hosting a traditional Thanksgiving can be a daunting task, but Friendsgiving offers a laid-back alternative. Despite some of the familiar elements, such as turkey and stuffing, many young people opt for a potluck-style gathering. In fact, 28% of young Americans plan to host their own Friendsgiving this year, with 67% excited about their upcoming event. It’s no wonder that they embrace a more relaxed, collaborative approach to meal planning and preparation.
Traditional Dishes, with a Twist
Though Friendsgiving is more relaxed, that doesn’t mean it’s devoid of tradition. 44% of survey participants expect traditional Thanksgiving dishes, like turkey and stuffing, to be on the table at their Friendsgiving gatherings. However, it’s not all about the classics—many guests like to bring something new to the table. More than a quarter of respondents opt to bring hummus or guacamole, adding their own spin on the festive spread.
The Stress of Cooking the Perfect Meal
Despite the casual vibe, cooking for Friendsgiving can still come with its own set of challenges. 44% of young people find themselves intimidated by traditional Thanksgiving dishes, with turkey being the most feared. Over half of those surveyed (53%) admitted that preparing a turkey was their biggest source of stress when it comes to holiday cooking. But it’s not just the main course that causes anxiety—desserts also bring on the pressure. 52% of respondents feel stressed when tasked with making pumpkin pie, while 39% worry about getting the apple pie just right.
Forgotten Dishes and the Importance of Wine
In the whirlwind of holiday prep, it’s easy to forget something important. 59% of survey participants admitted to forgetting a main dish at either a Friendsgiving or traditional Thanksgiving potluck. Other commonly forgotten items include dessert (56%), salads (51%), and side dishes (46%). However, it seems that one thing is rarely forgotten: alcohol. Only a third of those surveyed said they ever forget the booze at a holiday gathering, proving that wine and cocktails are an essential part of the festivities.
Keep It Simple and Stress-Free
While Friendsgiving may be a more laid-back version of Thanksgiving, it’s still important to remember the essence of what makes the celebration fun: good company, delicious food, and plenty of laughter. Ryan Saghir, Director of Marketing at Sabra, suggests keeping things easy by embracing potluck-style contributions and incorporating fun ideas like hummus pairings with wine or beer. With so much going on during the holiday season, it’s good to remember that Friendsgiving is about celebrating the people you care about in a way that’s stress-free and enjoyable for everyone.
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