By Lauren Root

Thanksgiving is one of the more controversial holidays in North America. It’s true; traditionally, it’s been a celebration built on the foundation of something not worth celebrating. The complicated and devastating nature of colonialism isn’t something that should be celebrated without acknowledging the harm that has been done.

In the past years, though, I’ve noticed a shift in the meaning of Thanksgiving. It’s become more of a social gathering, rather than a celebration of settlers arriving in North America. This is where Friendsgiving comes into play.

As a student far from home attending Bishop’s, I’ve become increasingly thankful for my family away from home. In the past few years, it’s been difficult for me to go home for Thanksgiving. One of the hardest parts of being away from home is missing out on the family gatherings. Safe to say, it can bring on a major case of FOMO.

Around this time is also when I realized how important it is to make my own traditions. One of the things I’ve started doing is hosting Friendsgiving. This simple act of having a fun dinner with all of my friends has become one of my highlights of the school year. One of the many things that makes Bishop’s special is the fact that so many students are far from home. It really makes Bishop’s and Lennoxville as a whole feel like a community. Most people are living away from home for the first time and are trying to find their footing.

Being able to create such meaningful bonds and friendships with people from places I’ve never heard of is something I love. And even better, having everyone gather together to celebrate being friends is so much fun!

Part of growing up, I think, is creating your own traditions and values. Many of the people I’ve met don’t usually celebrate Thanksgiving, and Friendsgiving is actually their first experience with the so-called “holiday.”

Now, I know cooking a big turkey and a bunch of side dishes isn’t what everyone would consider to be Sunday fun, but the meaning isn’t in the complexity of the event. The best memories could involve pizza or any type of takeout, and just calling it Friendsgiving. The point is to share a good meal (whatever that may be) around the people who make you happy. That being said, I love Friendsgiving! Even though it involves planning and so many dishes, it’s always worth it to have an excuse to hang out with my favourite people in Lennoxville!