Thanksgiving is a season of reflection, gratitude, and connection. Traditionally, it’s a time to honor family and show appreciation for the love and support they provide. However, the holiday’s meaning extends beyond blood relations, focusing on the chosen bonds that improve our lives and our friendships. This year, we found a great way to appreciate these relationships by attending Friendsgiving. This celebration brought us closer to our friends and reminded us of how important it is to express gratitude to those who feel like a second family.
As the holiday season approached, we began to talk about the ways we could make this Thanksgiving more meaningful. While we love spending time with our families, we realized that our friends had also played a crucial role in shaping our lives over the past year.
Our idea for Friendsgiving grew from a simple gathering into a heartfelt celebration of friendship. While our night was filled with joy and laughter, it also became a time of reflection. One of the most memorable moments came when Elise suggested we all go around and share what we were thankful for. At first, some of us hesitated, unsure of what to say. But, the responses became more thoughtful, sincere, and deeply personal.
As we continued to share, the conversation turned to a chosen family. For many of us, our friends provide unconditional support and understanding that feels just as profound as the bond shared with relatives. Elise’s favorite comment of the evening came from one of our friends, who said, “Friends are the family we pick for ourselves. We choose each other, and that makes it even more special.”
By the end of the night, Ina and Elise both agreed that the act of intentionally expressing gratitude had been the highlight of our Friendsgiving. “It’s so easy to get caught up in the rush of life and forget to tell people how much they mean to you,” Elise said. “This was a chance to slow down and acknowledge how lucky we are to have each other.”
This Thanksgiving, our story serves as a reminder that gratitude isn’t limited to family. It’s about celebrating all the people who make life brighter, from the friends who stand by us in hard times to those who bring laughter and joy into our lives.
Friendsgiving is a great tradition we suggest everyone try at Boise High School. It’s a chance to spend time with friends, share gratitude, and make connections stronger. By making it a yearly tradition, students can build a stronger community and create long-lasting memories during their high school years. It’s a simple and meaningful way to appreciate people who make life better.
