Our Chosen Family Thanksgiving: From Broke College Kids to Best Friends Forever

Okay, so this tradition started way back when Tanner and I were just babies, basically. We were all broke college kids, none of us could afford to fly home for Thanksgiving, so we kinda just... made our own. And honestly? It's become one of my favorite things ever, a real core memory for our family. Now, all these years later, we choose to spend it together, and it just hits different, you know? It’s not about convenience anymore, it’s about connection. These people are like family to us, and seeing our girls grow up with their kids, making all these special memories together? Ugh, my heart. :,)

I remember those first few Thanksgivings so vividly. We were all living in tiny apartments, probably eating off paper plates, and pooling our money for a turkey that was probably too small for all of us. But it didn't matter. We had each other. We were all in the same boat, figuring out adulthood, missing our own families but finding comfort in our new, makeshift one. It was messy and imperfect and absolutely beautiful. We’d stay up late playing board games, telling stories, and just being present with each other. There was this unspoken understanding that we were all each other had in that moment, and that bond just solidified everything.

The Evolution of a Tradition: From Necessity to Choice

It’s funny how things change, right? Back then, we truly couldn’t afford the flights home. It was a genuine financial constraint. Now, we could, but we don’t want to. That’s the magic of it. What started as a necessity has blossomed into a cherished choice. We’ve all grown up, gotten married, started having kids, and our little Thanksgiving crew has just expanded and gotten louder and more chaotic in the best possible way. We’ve seen each other through so much – engagements, weddings, babies, job changes, tough times, amazing times. They’re the people who show up, who get it, who celebrate with us and cry with us. They’re our people. And honestly, I wouldn’t trade our loud, messy, laughter-filled Thanksgivings for anything. It feels like home, no matter where we are.

We’ve had Thanksgivings in different houses, some years we’ve traveled a bit, but the core group always stays the same. The food has gotten a little better over the years, maybe a few less paper plates hahah, but the vibe is still that same relaxed, loving, 'come as you are' energy. That’s what I love most about it. No pressure, just good company and good food. And usually, a lot of competitive game playing. Tanner gets really into it, bless his heart. I usually just try to keep up and not embarrass myself too much, lol.

Making Memories for Our Kids: The Next Generation

This is probably the biggest reason why these Thanksgivings mean so much to me now. Seeing Stella, Ozzy, and Cherry with their 'cousins' – because that’s what they are, even if there’s no blood relation – it’s just everything. They don’t know a Thanksgiving without these kids around. They run around like wildlings, making up games, sharing secrets, and just being kids together. It’s not just about us anymore; it’s about building these foundational memories for them. They’re growing up with this extended family, learning what it means to have a community beyond just their immediate household. And that, to me, is such a precious gift.

I think about my own childhood and how important those big family gatherings were. My mom, being a single mom, always made sure we had those moments, even if it was just us and a few close friends. She showed me the importance of creating your own family, your own support system. And now, I get to do that for my girls. They’re learning that family isn’t just about who you’re related to by blood, but who you choose to do life with, who shows up for you, who makes you feel safe and loved. That’s a lesson I hope they carry with them always.

Our Thanksgiving Traditions: Simple & Heartfelt

So, what does our chosen family Thanksgiving actually look like? It’s pretty simple, honestly, and that’s why I love it. It’s not about being fancy or perfect, it’s about being together.

• Potluck Style, Always: Everyone brings a dish! This takes the pressure off any one person and means we get a huge variety of delicious food. Someone always brings a killer sweet potato casserole, and I’m usually on dessert duty. Tanner is the official turkey carver, a title he takes very seriously.
• Casual Vibes: We usually just hang out in comfy clothes. No need for anything formal. The kids are running around, so we need to be able to move!
• Games Galore: After we eat (and sometimes before, if we’re being honest), it’s game time. Board games, card games, sometimes even charades. It gets loud, it gets competitive, and there’s always a lot of laughter.
• Movie Time: Later in the evening, when everyone’s stuffed and tired, we’ll often put on a family-friendly movie. It’s a nice way to wind down and just chill together.
• Gratitude Circle: This is a newer tradition, but one I really love. Before we eat, we go around and everyone shares one thing they’re grateful for. It’s a sweet reminder of what the day is really about, and it’s precious hearing what the kids come up with.

It’s not revolutionary, but it’s ours. And that’s what makes it special. It’s about creating a space where everyone feels welcome, loved, and like they truly belong. It’s about celebrating friendship and the incredible journey we’ve all been on together.

Why Chosen Family is Everything

I think for a lot of people, especially as you get older, your chosen family becomes just as important, if not more important, than your blood relatives. These are the people who you actively choose to have in your life, who you build traditions with, who become your ride-or-dies. For us, these friends are that. They’ve seen us at our best and our worst, they’ve celebrated our wins and helped us through our struggles.

It’s a beautiful thing to cultivate those relationships, to invest in them, and to watch them grow and deepen over the years. It’s like planting a tree and watching it flourish. Our kids get to witness that, too – they see the strength and love in these friendships, and I hope it teaches them the value of true connection. It’s a reminder that love isn’t limited by biology; it’s about the bonds you forge and the memories you make together.

So, yeah, these Thanksgivings with our chosen family? They’re everything to me. They’re a testament to friendship, to resilience, and to the beautiful, messy, wonderful journey of life. And I wouldn’t trade them for anything. :,)