Ahead of Thanksgiving, many people are saying they're attending a Friendsgiving.

The term isn't new, but many people still don't know what it is.

While most people usually spend Thanksgiving with their families, Friendsgiving gives a name to celebrations of friendship. Friendsgiving is a time for friends to come together, share a meal and give thanks. It has become a common gathering during the holiday season for young adults across the country.

One New York woman called the celebration "a millennial-driven interpretation of Thanksgiving."

A lot of millennials are unmarried and living away from their families in different cities. Friends in their communities often serve as a main support system and act as a family away from home.

Friendsgiving, which is not a substitute for Thanksgiving, is usually celebrated before Thanksgiving Day, so as not to conflict with family get-togethers on the official holiday. People involved in a Friendsgiving event usually bring a food item or drink in a potluck-style celebration.

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John Raulet, a partner in Raulet Property Partners, stands in the soundstage at Mailing Street Stageworks, Tuesday, August 26, 2025, in Atlanta. Raulet’s company has either converted or sold off all but one of its soundstages amid a downturn in film production in the U.S. (Jason Getz / AJC)

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