For better or worse, Millennials are taking over Thanksgiving. As the Washington Post points out, 52 percent of them will host their own Thanksgiving dinner, which will include friends for “Friendsgiving” as well as family members. There’s also new emerging trends.
The Washington Post does acknowledge that this is not surprising given the persona of Millennials:
The amount of control Millennials will be having for Thanksgiving this year may have an impact on future years. The Washington Post then suggests that these trends may not merely be fads. Thus, some new Thanksgiving trends to be on the lookout for include:
- Ham instead of turkey
- Multiple Thanksgiving celebrations
- Nixing of cranberry sauce
- Healthier food, including tofurky
- Different kinds of turkey prep
Another trend is that of Friendsgiving. The Washigton Post briefly mentions it, but The Los Angeles times devoted a whole article to it, “Why millennials love Friendsgiving: No one will judge you if you can’t cook a turkey.” It’s not just your cooking skills, but also the escape from prying relatives about your relationship status, or your job or education prospects.
The trend does also fit in well with the idea of multiple Thanksgiving celebrations, as Millennials go off with their friends before or after the traditional meal.
While a majority will still be partaking in the turkey, including of Millennials, one of the most obvious aspect of Thanksgiving may be no longer so obvious. Time will tell if these emerging trends catch on and become the new normal for Thanksgivings to come.
