The 'Thanksgiving Grandma' meme originated in 2016 when Wanda Dench accidentally sent a text message inviting the wrong person, Jamal Hinton, to her family's Thanksgiving dinner. Instead of rescinding the invitation after the mistake was realized, Wanda insisted Jamal come anyway, sparking a heartwarming annual tradition that has been documented on social media for nearly a decade. The meme symbolizes unexpected kindness, the breaking of social barriers, and the wholesome side of the internet. It is widely used during the holiday season to celebrate inclusivity, family-by-choice, and the power of a simple, accidental connection turning into a lifelong friendship.