What to Do When You're Alone on Thanksgiving
Updated: Nov 17, 2019
How do you spend Thanksgiving alone?
Solitude can be great. Sitting and relaxing alone with no pants on, free to eat or watch whatever you want can be quite refreshing. Everyone needs a little "me time" and for many of us if we never get "me time" we can get quite irritable and even depressed. But, when you find yourself alone when you're desiring to be in the company of others - say during a major family-centric holiday like Thanksgiving, that solitude can quickly turn into heartbreaking loneliness.
People can end up alone during the holidays for many reasons: like studying abroad, a recent breakup or divorce, a lack of friends and family, and even last minute canceled plans.
I know firsthand what it's like to be alone on Thanksgiving. On a couple of occasions I had to work, and a few times, I just simply had nowhere to go, nothing to do and no one to do it with. What a bummer!
If I had used my time to come up with alternate plans instead of sitting around feeling sorry for myself, I'm sure I could have come up with something nice to do alone.
But alas, sadness can cloud even the most logical mind.
So, if you've come here to my blog today: kudos. You're looking for something to do! And I sincerely hope that I can help you or someone you know make the best of a solo-Thanksgiving.
► FIRST! If you know ahead of time that you might be facing the holidays alone, make plans for yourself BEFORE the day comes. If you don't, you might not be able to find something to do ON Thanksgiving which can result in severe boredom and even depression.
► In a foreign country? Decorate your space with festive autumn colors. Make a hand-turkey, make an autumn-colored paper chain and cook yourself Thanksgiving dinner (the best you can with what's available). If you have friends, invite them to have Thanksgiving dinner with you!
► Single? There's no better time to join a dating website . I'm sure you'll find plenty of other people spending Thanksgiving alone to chat with. You might even find someone you can meet up with that day!
► Volunteer at a local free Thanksgiving meal event. You might get a free meal, good fellowship, and the fulfillment of helping others. Also, seeing others who are truly alone and in need, might you help put your situation into perspective.
► Get out of town. Often times we know ahead of time if we're going to be alone on Thanksgiving, so plan a little road trip to a nearby hot-spot and enjoy a solo mini-vacation.
► Cook or order yourself a luxurious dinner and pig the heck out!
► Download some short Thanksgiving ebooks, warm up some apple cider, and relax with a good story.
► Start making your wishlist for Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales.
► Become a Thanksgiving history expert. Watch Thanksgiving specials on TV and do a bit of research about the real history of Thanksgiving and why we celebrate it.
► Have a Thanksgiving movie marathon. My favorite is Addams Family Values.
► Let it be known. Post on social media that you're alone on Thanksgiving and that you would either like some company or would like to join a family or group for dinner. Make a mature and straight-to-the-point post.
Nothing dramatic and depressing like: "Alone on Thanksgiving... sigh." C'mon, nobody likes a wet blanket.
Use your words like a big kid. Try something like: "Hey guys, I don't have any plans for Thanksgiving! Anyone got any room for me at their table? I'll bring wine!"
I'm sure out of all those friends you have, someone will more than happy to have you!
Do you have any advice for anyone spending Thanksgiving alone?
Tell me what you've got in a comment below!
