Family is not always defined by shared DNA. For many of us, the people who feel most like home are the friends who show up, celebrate with us, and stand beside us through every season. That becomes especially true during the holidays, when family expectations, distance, or loss can stir up complicated emotions and a deep sense of disconnection.

In this episode of Friendship Matters, Donna Brighton, Dr Russell Greenfield, and Lisa Grimes explore how intentional friendships can become your chosen family and offer a grounded sense of belonging. They share real stories and practical ideas for reshaping the holidays in ways that feel authentic, life giving, and kind to your nervous system.

You will hear:

• Why the holidays are so emotionally loaded, even for people who look "fine" on the outside

• How chosen family can expand, not replace, our idea of family and home

• Simple friendship traditions like Friendsgiving, question filled dinners, and shared service that deepen connection

• Ways to support friends who are grieving, alone, or far from home during this season

• How small invitations and intentional questions can transform a gathering from surface level chatter into meaningful connection

Listen if you have ever felt out of place at a holiday table, if you are far from family, or if you simply want your friendships to feel more like home, for you and for the people you love.

©Friendship Institute 2025

Friendship Matters™ is intended to help improve our Friendship IQ. While this generally signals an improvement in our overall wellbeing, this podcast is not intended in any way to offer specific counseling or medical advice. Please seek help from a trained professional.