Thanksgiving away from home doesn’t have to mean missing out on the holiday. In fact, it might be the perfect opportunity to start a new tradition.
Enter Friendsgiving: a modern take on Thanksgiving that brings together friends, coworkers and neighbors for good food, good company and a little holiday fun. No cross-country flights required. No pressure to recreate your family’s entire Thanksgiving menu. Just gather your people, bring a dish (or an appetite) and make the day your own.
For service members and families stationed in Okinawa, Friendsgiving is a chance to celebrate with the community you’ve built far from home. Whether you’re new to the island, settling into your first overseas assignment or a seasoned Okinawa local, there’s always room at the table for one more.
And what better place to try something different than an island known for its unique culture, incredible food and laid-back lifestyle? Thanksgiving in Okinawa may look a little different from the holiday back home, but that’s part of the fun. Trade familiar fall scenery for island views, invite friends who have become your chosen family, and create a tradition that’s uniquely yours.
Friendsgiving can be as simple or elaborate as you want. Host a potluck, organize a game night, plan a beachside gathering where permitted or turn dinner into a friendly competition for the best side dish. Mix family recipes with local flavors, try something new and make room for the traditions you want to carry forward.
The best part? There’s no single right way to celebrate. Whether you’re gathering a few friends in your home or bringing the whole crew together for a feast, Friendsgiving is about making the most of where you are and who you’re with.
Pro tip: Friendsgiving doesn’t have to mean spending all day in the kitchen! Preorder your holiday meal to-go with The Rocker Club and let FSS do the cooking for you. Or, gather your friends and enjoy our Thanksgiving Day Brunch in The Rocker Ballroom. All your beloved holiday treats, without any of the heavy lifting. You bring the friends, we’ll bring the feast!
Article: Savanna Dutcher
Photography: Marina Chayka