Friendsgiving 2023: Six Ways To Give Thanks and Give Back

Friendsgiving is all about celebrating with friends, and what better way to bring your circle together than by doing something for those in need? A gesture of kindness, no matter how small, goes a long way for those who may be struggling this year. As you enjoy your potluck or catch up in the living room and share special memories with your BFFs, consider creating a list of things you can do as a family (or solo) to give back in 2023. Keep reading for a few thoughtful gestures that may inspire a holiday season full of kindness.

Friendsgiving 2023: Six Ways To Give Thanks and Give Back

Forgo the Hostess Gift and Ask Guests for Donations

In lieu of a hostess gift, ask your guests to bring a new package of socks, t-shirts, underwear or pj’s to donate to the local children’s shelter. Many organizations will also post more detailed lists of items they need online.

Support Four-Legged Friends

If you have a few extra hours, offer to donate your time or money to your local pet shelter. Making a difference for animals is always welcome, and there are often elevated needs during the holidays for various reasons.

Remember the Elderly

My mom is in a nursing facility, and we’ve seen just how many older adults don’t have someone to visit them or spend time with them. Reach out to your local nursing home and ask if there is anyone who needs a volunteer family member. Read to them, talk to them and spend time outside getting a little vitamin D.

Deliver a Meal

Sign up early to deliver meals with Meals on Wheels as a family or with friends. Grocery shop for a neighbor who may not have the family or financial means to support a warm meal this holiday season.

Immerse Yourself in the Outdoors

You don’t need an official invitation to pick up trash and tidy up an elderly neighbor’s yard. Or, select a park that could use some assistance. Bring a pair of heavy gloves, a trash bag and some friends and get to work.

Engage in Shared Moments

Enjoy the season with family and friends. Time goes by quickly and you may think you have all the time in the world. Kids grow up, parents get older and aunts and uncles age equally as fast. Soon you will look back and wonder where the time went. This Friendsgiving, share a few family antidotes and then follow up with a visit or call to an old friend, godparent or long-lost family member. You will make their day.

Here is a reminder when setting your Friendsgiving Table:

Picture this Friendsgiving as the spark that ignites a season of compassion and generosity. Cheers to making memories and helping those in need. It all begins with one act of kindness.

For more Friendsgiving 2023 inspiration, you may also enjoy How to Plan the Perfect Friendsgiving. See what Diane is up to by following her on Instagram and Facebook. Find etiquette inspiration on her Pinterest account and keep up with her latest tweets. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, refer to her posts on Inc. and HuffPost.

For more information about working with Diane, America’s “Go to” social and professional (manners) skills authority, please visit The Protocol School of Texas.