About Summersgiving Day
What is Summersgiving?
Imagine a sunlit backyard afternoon where the air is filled with laughter, the long daylight hours of June seem to stretch on forever, and tables are overflowing with savory stuffing, roast turkey, and cranberry drinks.
This is the essence of Summersgiving—a brilliant, lighthearted holiday that seamlessly blends the warmth and relaxed vibes of summer with the deep gratitude and iconic menu of a traditional autumn feast.
Celebrated annually on the Saturday after the summer solstice, Summersgiving offers a perfect opportunity to bring friends and family together under the open sky.
Unlike November's Thanksgiving, which can sometimes feel rushed between travel schedules and cold weather, this June alternative encourages a laid-back atmosphere where you can pair your favorite holiday comfort foods with backyard lawn games and outdoor relaxation.
The Origins of Summersgiving
The holiday was born out of a simple, relatable craving in 2009. Robert Solomon, an attorney from New Jersey, absolutely loved Thanksgiving food but realized it was a shame to only enjoy it once a year.
Why wait until the end of November for roast turkey and rich side dishes? He decided to host a casual Thanksgiving-style barbecue for his closest friends, serving up a feast accompanied by refreshing cranberry martinis into the night.
The private celebration caught the attention of entrepreneur Eva Shure during a chance conversation on a flight in 2018. Recognizing that people everywhere love both summer and Thanksgiving, they teamed up to share the concept with the world.
By 2019, the holiday was officially proclaimed on the National Day Calendar, cementing its spot as a new summertime tradition focused on friendship, great food, and a shared appreciation for life's blessings.
Did you know? Because June is officially National Turkey Lovers Month, Summersgiving serves as the perfect mid-year celebration to enjoy a second major turkey feast.
How to Get Involved
Getting involved in Summersgiving is all about embracing the core elements of the day: great food, great company, and active gratitude. Because there are no rigid rules, you can completely customize the day to fit your style. Here are a few popular ways to celebrate:
Host a Backyard Feast: Move the dining room table outside or set up picnic areas. Decorate with string lights and comfortable outdoor seating to transition the party seamlessly from day to night.
Reinvent the Classics: While a traditional roasted bird is always a hit, many hosts put a summer spin on the menu. Consider grilling turkey burgers, smoking a turkey breast on the barbecue, or serving light, crisp seasonal salads alongside your heavy stuffing and mashed potatoes.
Incorporate a Gratitude Circle: Before diving into the food, gather your guests to share a few things they are thankful for. Taking a moment to reflect on the bright spots of the year brings the true spirit of Thanksgiving into the summer sunshine.
Plan a Sunset Toast: As the long day finally winds down, gather everyone with a refreshing beverage—like a classic cranberry cocktail, iced tea, or homemade lemonade—to raise a glass to friendship, family, and the joys of the season.
Did you know? The holiday is intentionally placed on the Saturday immediately following the summer solstice to take full advantage of the longest, most sun-drenched days of the entire year.
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