Every year, on the fourth Thursday of November, people all over the United States celebrate the well-known holiday, Thanksgiving. A regular Thanksgiving day in America is going to see relatives you probably don’t even know and gorging yourself with the delicious food that this holiday has blessed us with. Yet, not everyone spends this special day in the traditional way. Many people put their own twist on Thanksgiving by spending it with others, such as close friends. Or instead of feasting with family and friends, many generous souls give back to the community to show that they are thankful.

   According to the History Channel official website, Thanksgiving originated in 1621 when “the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies” (history.com). So ever since that day, Americans continue to celebrate this joining of two separate cultures, and their appreciation and thankfulness.

   According to a website about Thanksgiving, a traditional Thanksgiving day with family involves getting together, gathering around a table, eating a lot and showing gratitude (thanksgiving-day.org). Every family celebrates this holiday in their own unique way, and some do it without the turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes. “I absolutely love to spend Thanksgiving with my family. I always enjoy being with relatives, especially my cousins. We all have a really close bond,” said Senior Chelsea Petersen. “Thanksgiving is definitely one of my favorite holidays,” she added.

   Now, you might have heard of “Friendsgiving” or maybe you have even celebrated this yourself. According to a lifestyle website, “The name Friendsgiving is a mashup of ‘friends’ and ‘Thanksgiving,’ and the idea is to spend an evening with the holiday’s classic dishes and your best buds” (realsimple.com). The real question is, how did this new rendition of Thanksgiving become a thing?

   Well, there is no real origin for this holiday, but funnily enough, most people think it comes from the infamous television show, Friends. Another hit TV show, New Girl, has also celebrated Friendsgiving. Friendsgiving is a time to be thankful for amazing friends, to enjoy each other’s company, and to create new memories that you can laugh about for years to come. Instead of being forced to answer awkward questions your Great Aunt asks, such as, “Why are you still single?” or “How come you don’t know what you’re doing with your life yet?” during a family Thanksgiving, you can now spend it with people you can be yourself around, your best friends (realsimple.com).

   “Last year was the first year I celebrated Friendsgiving with my closest friends,” said Senior Catie Bride. “It was probably one of the best decisions my friends and I have ever made. We can’t wait to do it again this year,” added Bride.

   Another thoughtful way people spend Thanksgiving is by giving back to the community. One way this can be done is by serving the homeless at a soup kitchen. According to the Share America website, “Many Americans volunteer at soup kitchens or donate to food banks. Some participate in food drives organized by local businesses or by their churches, synagogues, mosques or temples.” Former president, Barack Obama and his family “…spent part of their Thanksgiving Day preparing holiday meals at Washington-area soup kitchens or distributing food at one of the city’s food banks” (share.america.org). Giving a warm and welcome helping hand to the less fortunate can be an awesome way to give back and share your appreciation for everything you have.

   Whether you celebrate Thanksgiving with family, friends, or with people who can’t afford to have their own celebration, this extraordinary day is a time to show gratitude and enjoy the life you live. Whatever you chose to do this Thanksgiving, appreciate it while you can and make memories that will last you a lifetime.