When it comes to Thanksgiving, people often assume that it has to be a traditional holiday with a turkey in the middle and family sitting all around the dining table. But what do the vegetarians do? Sometimes, too much focus is put on the turkey, worrying about roasting it just right or getting the perfect meal together—but that’s not the only thing that Thanksgiving is about. So if you think that vegetarians are “missing out” on anything, that’s not true. It’s mainly about the people you spend it with and making quality, meaningful time with loved ones during the holiday season. Plus, there are so many alternatives to a turkey dinner for vegetarians, and they don’t all include tofurkey. Let’s be honest: tofurkeys really aren’t the most appetizing things out there.
1. Families still can reunite over dinners with good food
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Regardless of having a turkey or not, families can still come together and have a feast. The turkey doesn’t even need to be replicated with meat-replacements. Vegetarian meals/cuisines are easy to make and just as delicious, too.
2. Go to the movie theater—without lines!
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Pro-tip: the movies are usually deserted on Thanksgiving night, yet they remain open. If you want to catch a movie sometime during the night, you can quickly get through one with no line and a lot of privacy in the theater.
3. Watch the classics on TV
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Catching a break from school and work is rare, so when you’re on Thanksgiving vacation you want to relax for a bit. If you prefer staying in rather than going to a theater, Thanksgiving (and Christmas) specials begin running on TV. Nothing’s better than reliving your childhood with some Charlie Brown.
4. Visit the happiest place on earth
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A lot of times, people don’t think to really go out of the house for Thanksgiving. But whether it’s indoors or outdoors, you still end up spending time and making memories with the people you love the most. Plus, it’s Disneyland—how can you not be happy?
5. Get started early on Black Friday shopping
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The struggle of digesting Thanksgiving dinner and rushing to Black Friday shopping is really quite a feat. But if you had your eye on a special deal, you can easily make a family outing from it and get started early with your shopping instead. Especially since you save all that time from not having to thaw the turkey!
6. Hit the skating rink
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With the winter season following Thanksgiving, several ice skating rinks open up. Get a head start and beat the crowds for a fun night!
7. Attend a sporting event
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Lots of football games are scheduled on Thanksgiving Day, and you have the option to physically attend a game or watch the televised version. Actually attending will make a much more intimate experience, but if you want to cuddle up you can always do so from home, too.
8. Have a campfire at the beach
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What better way to cuddle up than around a fire? The warm glow of the fire will have you feeling sentimental, bringing everyone together amidst the nature around you and the sound of water in the background.
9. Take a scenic drive
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Even though Thanksgiving crowds are crazy when it comes to road traffic, on the night of the roads are normally barren. Take the opportunity to go on a scenic drive with your closest friends and family and enjoy the fresh air with your windows rolled down.
10. Family game night
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Maybe you really don’t want to have something too extravagant, why not spend a relaxing day in? The family’s all there, bring out the board games! Sometimes it’s fun to bring them back like the old times.
See? It’s not so bad for vegetarians, there are quite a lot of alternatives to a turkey Thanksgiving, and it doesn’t take away from the true experience. Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season!