Without a doubt, a holiday as warm and festive as Thanksgiving Day is better spent with family and friends. However, if you find yourself in a situation where you are inevitably alone, for whatever reason — whether because your family live out of state or you are in a foreign country for work or education — this part of the year, here are some tips that will help you survive and actually have a grand time without company.
Stick to traditions
Some people may think that it does not make sense to bring out the turkey or the pumpkin pie when they are only having a “table for one scenario” on Thanksgiving dinner, but Dr. Erika Martinez, a licensed psychologist and the founder of Miami Shrinks, thinks otherwise. She explains that doing so can actually put you in the mood for the holidays.
Celebrate you
Go the extra mile to make yourself feel special on Thanksgiving by filling your home with decadent stuff that will make you feel good. Go get yourself a gorgeous orchid plant or a fresh flower arrangement. It is scientifically proven to trigger positive emotions from the recipient and makes a space instantly brighter and prettier. You can also pamper yourself by taking a long bath in the tub with your favorite bubble bath while sipping wine and/or reading that novel you’ve always wanted to read but never had the chance to.
Check out volunteer opportunities near you
Thanksgiving Day is arguably one of the best times of the year to give back to the community. Fortunately, there are a lot of options when it comes to volunteering in Los Angeles. Choose a cause that is closest to your heart. It can be a soup kitchen feeding the homeless, donating care packages orphans or to the less fortunate, cleaning out the beaches, or taking care of rescued pets in animal shelters. This does not only give you free company but will also make your Thanksgiving more meaningful and memorable.
Take advantage of technology
We live in such exciting times where we can keep in touch with our loved ones every minute virtually even if they are a thousand miles across the globe. Stay connected with your friends and family through Skype or Facetime.
Reflect on all the things for which you should be thankful for this year
Moments wherein you are completely alone and unoccupied may be rare and few in life, so take advantage of every chance you get. Use this valuable time to meditate and reflect on all the beautiful things and people you were blessed with and all the painful challenges that you went through this year that you have let go or still learning to let go. Write this on your journal or pour out your heart while enjoying a hot cup of tea after your Thanksgiving dinner.
Are you spending the holidays by yourself this year or have you tried it in the past? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below.
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