Nov 21st 2008
By Ann Kelly

Everyone goes home for Turkey Day -- it's like a law, right? Well, if you're an urban-area transplant, that's become less and less the norm. Airfare's expensive. The economy's in the tank, and with people getting married later and later in life, we're spending more years without in-law obligations.
But just because you're not going home doesn't mean you should spend Thanksgiving on the couch with a Hot Pocket. What many people will do this year is celebrate a "Friendsgiving" -- a holiday meal with assorted pals who are in the same situation.
"In big cities especially, friends become a supplemental family," says Paul Dobransky, M.D., author of "
The Power of Female Friendship: How Your Circle of Friends Shapes Your Life." "It can be comforting and non-stressful to spend holidays with them."
If you don't have a Friendsgiving meal lined up, just follow our simple tips for throwing a kickass holiday event.
Invite Anyone and Everyone"Two years ago, I spent the day totally alone watching the parade and drinking wine. So last year I invited a boatload of people, and it made for such a warm, fun day," says Sarah, 29. Put the word out that you're hosting dinner at your place, and extend invitations to everyone -- from your BFF to the neighbor who you're on really good terms with to the co-workers you talk to all day. Not only will it be more lively, you'll make so many people feel happy and loved.
Click here for more fun Turkey Day tips.