If sundown makes you sad, don't go out around sundown to think how sad you are.
This year, the cooking man and I are sitting down at a Thanksgiving table for two. There is still a big turkey, because I so love turkey leftovers. But a few years ago, I was alone–no family, no friends around on turkey day.
Now, I’m one of those people who can have fun by myself in a phone booth in North Dakota, provided they still have phone booths there. You may not be. In that case, please take a peek at my Alone-at-Thanksgiving post from a few years ago. There are pointers for being alone, ignoring the holiday entirely, or celebrating your own way.
You can also read this article by eHow–it’s not anything new, but they use the word treacly, one of my favorites for this time of year. I think PyschCentral’s list is a little more interesting. And don’t forget bowling–duckpin or regular. Lanes will be open and you can learn a new skill, particularly if you think it’s geeky. It’s fun.
There is the other side to Thanksgiving, the big, messy family side. I have a post for you in that situation, too. Just in case.
One more thing–there is a certain time of day you feel moody. For some people it’s early morning. Others hate when the sun dims at twilight. Know which day part is your saddest time and plan–be at a movie, at the mall, taking a bubble bath, getting a massage. Don’t allow yourself to have a pity party. OK, if you do have a pity party, stand in front of the mirror and talk out loud about the sadness of your life to yourself. I’ll bet you can’t keep it up long.
Finally, if all else fails, the day you are alone on Thanksgiving may be the best time of all to start a gratitude journal. Yeah, I heard that. So ready my snarky post, and think it over.
–Quinn McDonald is a writer who has spent happy Thanksgivings alone. She is also a certified creativity coach.
I had a day at home by myself for Thanksgiving, too. Husband at work for the day and evening and we planned and executed Thanksgiving for two on the Saturday following. I ate a salad, watched a funny movie and then a samurai movie (with the subtitles off so I could make up my own dialogue) and knit. Great day!
When we make up what we like instead of what stresses us out, it can be wonderful. Personally, I would have loved to sit there with you, taking on different parts and making up dialog. It would have been so much more fun!
I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.
We don’t have this celebration in NL. We don’t eat much turkeymeat either.
The turkeys that you prepare, simply do not fit in our ovens..
Thanks, Marianne. Thanksgiving celebrates the survival of the first immigrants to the U.S.–the Pilgrims who were escaping religious prosecution. They had a tough year of hardship and starvation, and at the first hardship, they thought it might be nice to share some of their food to keep the Indians from attacking. The Indians brought some of their harvest, too. I love this holiday, as it is without religious overtones and problems. Yeah, we do cook up some big birds. A friend of mine is having 20 people over, and someone else I know is having 38. I have no idea where they put them all. If your oven can take a turkey breast, you could use those. I, personally, prefer the thighs.
But I am grateful I came to meet you on this blog, and that I can share my gratitude with you!
Just the four of us this year…and one BIG turkey:)
Happy Thanksgiving, Susan! You might have “only” four of you, but 75 percent of that is men–and they can put away that turkey!
Oh Yes!!! a great celebration…:) Hope your day is joyful!
Happy Thanksgiving! We’re staying at home for the first time in years. That actually gives me a much better statistical chance of controlling the remote and getting to watch the football games I want! (yes, and statistically I have a chance at that Publishers Clearing House grand prize too, but…)
It’s really great, isn’t it, when you get to stay at home for once. I keep thinking of all those people patted down at airports and glad I’m not one of ‘em.
Huh!!! Hansel took the same exact photo last night Quinn!!! What a hoot!!!!!!
We go to a Costa Rican Thanksgiving party every year….which could be as messy as any ordinary American family dinner….but everyone drops the drama once the live band begins!!!
Have a beautiful holiday.
BIG Hugs!!
Yours sounds like a great Thanksgiving. A Thanksgiving for two!
Too much fuss over holidays always seems to make them turn into a fantasy day never realized, and no one is satisfied. Ick.
We’re having a Thanksgiving for three, and it’s a first – being invited to one of my children’s homes instead of me being the hostess. Hurray! I know it will be low key — and great.
Doubt I’ll end my day with a bubble bath and mead — I’m thinking more hot tub and tequila. Ole!
I too will be spending Thanksgiving alone. I’m actually looking forward to it. Like you, I love turkey left-overs, and I use the carcass to make stock for soup. I can fix all my favorite dishes – dressing the way my mother used to make it, squash casserole, and my famous Buttermilk Nut Pie. I can watch movies instead of faking interest in football. I can get as blitzed on mead as I want, and there’s nobody around to preach at me about drinking in moderation.
And when the sun sits, I can pour a couple of drops of essential oils in my tub and relax without feeling guilty about not offering to do the dishes.
Gimme Thanksgivings alone any year.
Yay for finding your bliss, mead and all!
Quinn, I would love to see some suggestions by Kent about making a thanksgiving turkey for two or one.. When reading the title of this post I read ‘not bad at all ‘. . When it comes to the holidays I am a very nonsocial being.