The “holiday season,” can be a time to build community, reinforce community and reconnect with people in your community that you’ve not seen for far too long. It can be a time for inclusion and creativity where we celebrate “Friendsgiving.”

Unfortunately, it can also be a time when people feel left out and excluded because of financial reasons. I’ve known people who want to connect and entertain friends, but stop themselves because the cost of having friends for a “Friendsgiving,” is too overwhelming. With the rise of the cost of living, I know people who refuse invitations because they feel obligated to buy expensive “host gifts.”  Years ago, I was one of those people. It was very lonely. But it doesn’t have to be.

The publication, Apartment Guide recently asked me to contribute to an article, https://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/how-to-host-a-friendsgiving-on-a-budget/ .  I loved the title and idea because it is another way of creating inclusion.

Here is what I said:

Have people send in movie requests and take a poll. Pick the top three to share viewing. Think of Friendsgiving as a time to share each other, not focus on how much money was spent.” – Simma Lieberman The Inclusionist

Besides my suggestions, there were a myriad of contributions which I think are creative and if used, can mean more people get to not only celebrate together but also create together. Check out the whole article for a diversity of ideas, https://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/how-to-host-a-friendsgiving-on-a-budget/

For more thoughts on diversity and inclusion during the holidays https://www.simmalieberman.com/category/diversity-during-the-holidays/