Indian , and German food . There were so many cool things ,” Morelos-Galvan described . Being a part of the food industry , Morelos-Galvan is used to a wide variety of different foods , but for many of her friends it was a chance to expand their palettes .
At a time where America is experiencing a friendship recession due to the pandemic and other societal influences , gatherings like Friendsgiving are more important than ever . Getting friends together not only strengthens bonds , but it can have a ripple effect . A 20-year Harvard Medical School study of 5,000 people found that one person ’ s happiness could spread through their friend group for up to three degrees of separation . What ’ s more , those effects lasted up to a year . Including friends from all walks of life the way Morelos-Galvan does also creates opportunities for new connections . “ It just opens up friendships for everybody ,” she said . As was the case for her neighbors , who connected with some of her other friends during Friendsgiving and now spend time hiking together .
It ' s time we started making our chosen families as integral to the holidays as our biological families . Friendsgiving gives us that chance , and it can give us a boost of happiness that will carry us through the rest of the season . “ Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful and that ’ s absolutely what everybody gets from it ,” Morelos-Galvan said of her Friendsgivings , “ I know the next day I wake up and I ’ m just so grateful for all of the wonderful people in my life .” So , whether you have a large friend group or a small one , consider getting everyone together to show how much you care .
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