From my time in Seattle, Friendsgiving and Friendsmas was probably the best feature of American culture that I experienced. I lived in the University District,

From my time in Seattle, Friendsgiving and Friendsmas was probably the best feature of American culture that I experienced. I lived in the University District, and my future wife was in graduate school at the University of Washington. There was always somebody around at holiday times so rather than than sit around thinking about why they were not on a plane going home it was time to get on the phone and get cooking. Even when going to the homes of almost complete strangers it was always an enjoyable occasion. Lots to drink always helped but the lack of family-related stress while not being alone was a big part too for which many people were quite grateful.