When many people think about Thanksgiving, the first things that come to mind are loving families, the comfort of being at home, casseroles, pies, and a big turkey, and holding hands around a table while saying grace. For others, however, this isn’t how their Thanksgiving will look this year.
Perhaps you couldn’t afford a plane ticket or you needed to turn down the invitation because of familial tension, or maybe you only have one day off work and can’t make it home and back on time.
Whatever the reason, this year might not be what you had in mind for the best Thanksgiving ever, but there are so many ways you can celebrate and get into the holiday spirit.
1. Stick with tradition
Just because you’re not spending the holiday with your family doesn’t mean that you don’t get to enjoy your favorite traditions. Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, bake a pumpkin pie, maybe even go Black Friday shopping, if that’s your thing. If tradition is what makes you most excited about the holiday, there’s no reason you have to miss out.
2. Give back
Having gratitude is more than just going around the table and saying what you’re thankful for. If you want to put your gratitude into action, consider helping out in a soup kitchen or with a food bank. You could also donate your time to local animal shelters who need extra help walking dogs on Thanksgiving, and retirement homes are always looking for volunteers to provide company to residents who are alone during the holiday.
3. Get outdoors
If you’re an outdoorsy person, Thanksgiving day is the perfect time to go for a nature walk or a hike to enjoy the changing leaves and the beautiful brisk weather. Being outside has its benefits and will definitely uplift your mood. If it’s your first time living in the area, you could do a bit of sightseeing in your new hometown.
4. Make it a Friendsgiving
Thanksgiving is all about shared gratitude, and you don’t have to be alone if you don’t want to. Host a casual potluck to bring together other friends and acquaintances who are away from their families too. You don’t have to go all out with a big roast of turkey but you can share some of your favorite recipes, or even make them together. Alternatively, don’t be afraid to fish for a Thanksgiving dinner invitation if you really want to. Ask friends and/or classmates what their plans are, and more likely than not they’ll open their home to you once they realize you don’t have plans yet.
5. Actually take a mental health break
Don’t force yourself to have the quintessential Thanksgiving experience™ if it will just add to your stress. Your day doesn’t need to be chock-full of plans and festive activities. Maybe you’d rather use this time away from home to take a mental breather from the stress of school and life. Sometimes you just need to step away from your to-do list to curl up in bed and watch your favorite Thanksgiving TV specials. Set aside some “me time” but don’t forget to be grateful.
It might be easy to wish things were different or wish you were closer to your family, but whatever the circumstances are, there is always something to be grateful for and always a reason to celebrate. Even if you can’t get home this Thanksgiving, remember that home is where the heart is.
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