How to Include Friends Who Can’t Attend Your Friendsgiving

Friendsgiving is all about celebrating gratitude and connection with your chosen family. But what if some of your friends can’t be there in person? Whether they’re across the country or unable to attend due to other commitments, there are thoughtful and creative ways to include them in the festivities. From virtual ideas to meaningful gestures, here’s how to make sure no one feels left out this Friendsgiving.

Set Up a Virtual Friendsgiving

With today’s technology, it’s easier than ever to bring everyone together, no matter where they are. Hosting a virtual Friendsgiving is a great way to include absent friends.

Create a Virtual Space

Use video conferencing platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, or Skype to connect. Set up a designated time for everyone to join, even if it’s just for part of the evening. Decorate your background to match the Friendsgiving vibe—it’ll make the virtual attendees feel like part of the party.

Send a Care Package

Before the big day, consider mailing a care package to your long-distance friends. Include small items like festive napkins, snacks, or even a recipe card for one of the dishes you’ll be serving. This way, they can feel like they’re sharing in the experience.

Share the Menu and Recipes

Share your menu and recipes to help your absent friends recreate the magic of Friendsgiving. They can prepare the same dishes at home and join you virtually for dinner. It’s a wonderful way to feel connected, even from afar, as you all enjoy similar flavors and smells.

Plan a Group Activity

Get creative with activities that include both in-person and virtual attendees. Here are a few ideas:

• Trivia or Games: Host a Thanksgiving trivia session or play virtual games like Jackbox or Pictionary.
• Gratitude Circle: Take turns sharing what everyone is thankful for, ensuring virtual friends have their moment to contribute.
• Toast Together: Coordinate a drink for everyone—whether it’s cider, wine, or a mocktail—and make a collective toast to friendship and gratitude.

Send Photos and Videos

Capture the moments from your in-person celebration and share them with absent friends. Create a group chat or social media album where everyone can post photos, videos, and updates throughout the evening. Include a mix of candid shots, food pictures, and heartfelt messages.

Host a Post-Friendsgiving Get-Together

If virtual participation isn’t an option, plan a separate get-together with your absent friends after the main event. It doesn’t have to be elaborate—meeting for coffee, sharing leftovers, or having a small follow-up dinner can ensure they still feel included in the season’s festivities.

Make a Gratitude Keepsake

Create something tangible that includes everyone’s gratitude messages. Whether it’s a gratitude jar, a scrapbook, or a virtual slideshow, ask each friend to contribute something they’re thankful for. Share the final product with your group, so everyone feels part of the celebration.

Stream the Celebration

If your Friendsgiving is casual and tech-savvy, consider live-streaming parts of the evening. Whether it’s the meal, a game, or a toast, a live stream lets absent friends tune in and feel like they’re there in real-time.

Coordinate a Shared Playlist

Music is a great way to connect people. Create a collaborative Friendsgiving playlist on Spotify or another streaming platform and let everyone—near and far—add their favorite songs. Play the mix during the celebration, so even absent friends have a presence through their song choices.

Final Thoughts

Friendsgiving is about celebrating the people who matter most, whether they’re at your table or miles away. By incorporating these thoughtful ideas, you can ensure that no one feels excluded from the fun. With a little planning and creativity, you can create a Friendsgiving experience that truly brings everyone together.