Alone on Thanksgiving? Plan Ahead for a Wonderful Holiday

For many people Thanksgiving is a day of family, feasts, and football or a film at the nearest movie theater. Others meet the day with loneliness and dread. Still others enjoy spending the day alone. Here are a number of ideas to help you have a great day if you find yourself alone on Thanksgiving. Starting the day with at least a tentative plan and a positive attitude will help reduce any feeling of loneliness.

Plan Your Meals

If you are cooking your own meal, plan your Thanksgiving dinner ahead of time to make sure you have all the ingredients you need, and do not forget dessert. This is your chance to make a special meal. Check out new recipes using online sources or from cookbooks. Have fun with the choices for a unique holiday menu.

There are a number of restaurants and buffets that cater to the crowd who prefers to dine out on the holiday. In addition, for those who are spiritually minded, some people do fast over the holiday.

Many local shelters and soup kitchens serve those who are in need, and can always use volunteers. Look around your circle of friends and co-workers. You may find someone else to either dine with, at home or meet him or her at a restaurant. In fact, you could gather your own group of expatriates and create a tradition of opening your home to others who are alone on the holiday.

In addition, instead of refusing the dinner invitations from well-meaning coworkers or fellow church members, you know the ones I mean, consider attending for an hour or two. You will meet new people and enlarge your circle of friends.

Plan Your Activities

Not only can you sleep in as long as you want, but you can also enjoy a leisurely breakfast with your favorite beverage and the paper. After breakfast, go for a walk to get some fresh air. Getting outside will help lift any sadness you may feel because you are alone.

Several days before Thanksgiving, keep an eye on your local newspaper for activities in the area. A variety of options is at your disposal, depending on whether you prefer to spend the day alone or at the very least in the midst of a crowd, even if they are strangers.

Be sure to catch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. Some areas have a regional parade they can view. Enjoy the floats, the bands, and the banter.

Depending on when you eat your holiday meal, at midday or late afternoon, you can follow the meal with football, the movies, or visit a local nursing home. Many seniors have no visitors on the holidays and would welcome your visit.

If you are a football fan and there is a game near you, obtain a ticket and enjoy cheering for your home team. If you have a jersey with your team colors, be sure to wear it to the game.

Several TV stations show holiday-themed movies throughout the day. Pull out your favorite craft such as knitting or crocheting, and enjoy classic movies.

Plan Your Evening

As the day winds down, take a few moments to reflect on your blessings, listen to music, read your current novel, and enjoy the leftovers, especially the pumpkin pie and whipped topping.

Make calls to family and friends who live far away, to hear their voice and touch base with their lives.

This is a good time to relax and enjoy the quiet evening before the hustle and bustle of the holiday season ahead. Of course, go to bed early if you are a Black Friday shopper.

Being alone on Thanksgiving does not mean you have to feel lonely. There are many options for most people. Keeping an attitude of thankfulness for what you have, planning your activities ahead of time if you need to keep busy, and knowing you have options available will help ensure an enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday.