When I was growing up in Massachusetts, Thankgiving was always a time for family. When I moved 2,200 miles away from home to Austin, Texas after graduating from college, I still wanted to 1 the tradition of gathering with my family.2 ， I didn't think flying home for Thanksgiving was wise because it cost much. It was not3that my entire family got on a plane to4me, either.
Friendsgiving was the5. My first Thanksgiving away from home came shortly after I moved, so I didn't have many6 in the area. By my second Thanksgiving, I had more friends and was7with others who were far from home for the holiday. It was the perfect
8to start to host my first Friendsgiving!
Everyone9the meal in some way. It not only cut down on the work I had to do as a(n)10, but it was also a chance for people to share their family11during the festival with everyone else. Allowing everyone to donate also meant we could12new things.
Since the start, I've hosted Friendsgiving twice and 13two others as a guest. Some people14each year, while others move away or head home for a change. Celebrations also change every time. Those unexpected15year after year are16one reason for my love for Friendsgiving. And some people at the Friendsgiving seem like family members for me.
I'll probably17live in the same area as my biological family again, but that doesn't mean I can't celebrate Thanksgiving with my18family. Friendsgiving makes me feel grateful for the life I've19in a new place. And my new city is gradually becoming my new20.
