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Fakesgiving

Fakesgiving is a holiday with a twist. It’s a made-up Thanksgiving that doesn’t follow any official calendar.

Marketing angleinferred

Position Fakesgiving as a flexible, schedule-friendly alternative to traditional Thanksgiving that drives food, entertaining, and party-supply purchases year-round.

Relevance 45medium intent

'Fakesgiving Recipe Swap' guides: feature trending dishes guests can prep ahead
DIY party-planning kits (photo booth props, gratitude wall supplies, game templates)
Influencer takeovers: families sharing their unique Fakesgiving traditions and table settings
Meal-kit or grocery delivery tie-ins: 'Plan your Fakesgiving feast in May'

History

Fakesgiving began as a creative solution for those unable to celebrate Thanksgiving on its traditional date. In 2009, Zach Patton and Clay Dunn hosted their first Fakesgiving in Washington, D.C., aiming to test holiday recipes ahead of time.

They coined the term after a friend mentioned hosting a similar event the night before Thanksgiving.

The concept gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when many people sought alternative ways to connect with loved ones.

Fakesgiving provided an opportunity to gather safely and flexibly, accommodating various schedules and circumstances.

Pop culture also played a role in spreading the idea. In the film To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You, the Covey family celebrates Fakesgiving in March to honor a cherished family tradition.

Over time, Fakesgiving has evolved into a personalized celebration. People tailor it to their preferences, choosing dates, menus, and activities that suit their needs. Whether it’s a potluck with friends or a quiet dinner with family, Fakesgiving emphasizes togetherness and gratitude.

Today, Fakesgiving continues to offer a flexible and inclusive way to celebrate, allowing individuals to create meaningful traditions that fit their unique circumstances.

How to celebrate

Host a Recipe Swap

Encourage guests to bring dishes they’ve never made before. This adds variety to the meal and sparks culinary creativity. Sharing new recipes can lead to delightful surprises and new favorites.

Create a Gratitude Wall

Set up a space where attendees can write what they’re thankful for on sticky notes or cards. Displaying these messages fosters a sense of community and appreciation. It’s a visual reminder of the positive aspects of life.

Organize Themed Games

Plan activities like a “pin the feather on the turkey” game or a Fakesgiving trivia quiz. These games add fun and laughter to the gathering. They also help break the ice among guests who may not know each other well.

Set Up a DIY Photo Booth

Designate an area with props and a festive backdrop for guests to take pictures. This provides a fun activity and creates lasting memories. Sharing these photos can extend the joy beyond the event.

Volunteer Together

Consider spending part of the day helping at a local food bank or shelter. Giving back to the community embodies the spirit of gratitude. It’s a meaningful way to bond with friends and family.

FAQ

How is celebrating a “second” holiday meal with friends or relatives different from the main holiday gathering?

A second holiday-style meal tends to be more flexible and informal, which often reduces the pressure people feel about travel, family expectations, and strict traditions. Studies on family rituals and “voluntary kin” show that gatherings people choose for themselves, such as extra holiday meals with friends or mixed groups of relatives, can feel more relaxed and inclusive while still providing the same sense of belonging and continuity that traditional family holidays offer.

Does having an off-calendar holiday meal still provide the same mental health benefits as celebrating on the official date?

Psychological research suggests that the timing matters far less than the social connection. Regular shared meals and rituals, even when separated from official dates, are linked to better mood, lower loneliness, and stronger relationship satisfaction because they create predictable opportunities for support and conversation. Gratitude expressions around those meals are also associated with higher well-being, regardless of when they occur.

Why do people enjoy “Friendsgiving” or similar alternative holiday celebrations so much?

Alternative gatherings with friends are popular because they allow people to create their own norms, share responsibilities, and include “chosen family” who may not be part of their legal or biological family. Sociologists note that these events help younger adults and people living far from home maintain a sense of tradition while adapting to modern life, often emphasizing potlucks, shared hosting duties, and inclusive guest lists that welcome partners, roommates, and neighbors.

Are there cultural precedents for holding major celebrations on alternative dates when people cannot gather on the main holiday?

Many cultures adjust the timing of important feasts to fit work, harvest, or migration patterns. For example, some Christian communities mark Christmas liturgically on December 25 but hold major family meals on different days that suit local schedules, and immigrant communities often shift New Year or harvest celebrations to weekends. Anthropologists point out that what makes a feast meaningful is the shared ritual and symbolism, not strict adherence to a civil calendar date.

Can repeating the same holiday-style meal more than once a year strengthen relationships, or does it make the original holiday feel less special?

Research on family routines indicates that repeating valued rituals, such as special meals or gratitude practices, generally deepens a sense of connection rather than diluting it. When people intentionally add extra gatherings, they tend to assign slightly different meanings to each one, such as using one for extended family and another for close friends, so the events complement each other instead of competing.

What role does gratitude play in shared meals that are not held on the official holiday?

Gratitude expressed around any shared meal, whether formal or casual, is linked to higher relationship quality and greater life satisfaction. Studies find that when people explicitly thank one another, share what they appreciate, or reflect on positive events during a meal, they report feeling closer and more supported, which is true at ordinary dinners as well as special off-calendar celebrations.

How can people include those who feel isolated or far from home in an alternative holiday-style gathering?

Inclusive gatherings often build in open invitations, flexible timing, and low-cost or shared dishes so that guests do not feel like a burden. Social scientists recommend reaching out proactively to neighbors, students, or coworkers who are away from family, offering rides or virtual options, and avoiding assumptions about cultural background or dietary preferences. These practices help create a welcoming environment for anyone who might otherwise spend the season alone.