7 Tips for Those Celebrating Thanksgiving Alone

So instead of thinking of it as a lonely Thanksgiving, here's how to enjoy a solo Thanksgiving in your own home.

1. Start the Day by Jotting Down a Gratitude List

"As Thanksgiving approaches, it's important to develop a sense of gratitude," Thomas says. This is especially true if you're spending the holiday season alone for the first time. 

Look for the bright spots in your life, even amidst any chaos. Open the Notes app on your phone or grab a blank journal and list five things you're grateful for. Studies show that regularly practicing gratitude can lead to a happier life and lower the risk of depression.

2. Use Social Media Intentionally

If seeing others celebrating makes you feel left out or down, consider putting your phone away and taking a break from social media until the holiday is over. 

However, if you find joy in connecting with others online, go ahead and engage. Just remember Dr. Thomas's advice: "Whatever you do with social media, it's important to recognize what your intentions are..." Use social media to enhance your holiday experience, like texting loved ones or sharing gratitude photos on Instagram.

If social media tends to make you feel lonely or left out, consider keeping your phone aside and avoiding scrolling through updates from friends and family. Instead, be intentional with its use. Use social media tools to fulfill your intentions, like connecting with friends and family through texts or sharing what you’re grateful for.

3. Partake in a Virtual Holiday

If you can't be with loved ones in person, plan a virtual gathering so you can still see them. Choose a platform everyone knows how to use, set a time, and enjoy cooking a shared Thanksgiving recipe together from afar.

4. Do Something to Treat Yourself

Engaging in self-care can lower stress and improve quality of life, as shown in various studies. Self-care is unique to each person and should align with what specifically soothes and uplifts you. It could be as simple as wearing the coziest socks in your drawer, lighting a candle with a delicious scent, listening to nostalgic music, or as indulgent as planning a future vacation or enjoying a special bottle of wine that you've been saving.

5. Order Takeout, if You Like

Supporting small businesses in your area is always a commendable choice. If there's a local restaurant you love, consider skipping the homemade menu this year and order takeout from them. Whether it's a traditional Thanksgiving meal, pizza, or Indian cuisine, you make the rules. Choose whatever delights you and turns your meal into a fun celebration.

Andy Lyons

6. Try This Single-Serving Thanksgiving Menu

If you crave a meal reminiscent of family gatherings from your past, try roasting a Cornish game hen, suggests Colleen Weeden of the Better Homes & Gardens Test Kitchen. "They're perfect for a single. Season as you like, then roast at 375°F for 1 ½ hours," she advises. 

For some delicious sides, microwave a single sweet potato until tender and top with either: 

• Sweet: Mascarpone cheese and maple syrup 
• Savory: Butter, salt, and pepper 
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• Don't forget to pick up a stuffing mix and prepare a single portion. "Make a full or half batch of cranberry sauce, and use leftovers for sandwiches, toast, or even sundae toppings," Weeden suggests. 
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• For corn lovers, prepare an ear of corn and dress it up with elote toppings to add flavor. 
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• Finally, for a dessert to remember, fill mini graham shells (like Keebler Ready Graham Pie Crusts) with lemon curd or your favorite pudding. Top with whipped topping and add mini chocolate chips or colorful sprinkles to really make it special.

7. Don't Forget to Be In the Moment

"Check in with yourself as frequently as you check your phone to maintain a connection with your emotions," Thomas recommends. Allow yourself to experience your feelings, even the challenging ones you're tempted to ignore. It's okay to feel down sometimes; express those emotions through crying, venting, or exercising. Then, revisit that self-care toolbox to uplift yourself again and enjoy the holiday. 

Remember: "You're the architect of your experiences. By choosing where to focus, you can create the best possible Thanksgiving," Thomas reminds us.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What can I eat if I'm craving turkey but spending Thanksgiving alone?
• If you want turkey for Thanksgiving but don't want to live on turkey leftovers for weeks, consider cooking a single turkey breast, turkey legs, or turkey wings. You could even roast a turkey tenderloin and use the leftovers for sandwiches. Or, if you lack skills in the kitchen, pick up a rotisserie chicken or some roast turkey from the deli at your local grocery store.
• What's a quick dessert I can make in a single serving?
• For a satisfying dessert that takes less than five minutes, whip up a microwave pumpkin mug cake. In a large mug (at least 12 ounces), mix together 4 tablespoons of flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, a pinch of salt, and your favorite fall seasonings (like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and ground clove). Add 3 tablespoons of milk, 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree, and a splash of vanilla. Stir well and microwave on high for 2 minutes. Top your creation with whipped cream and dig in.
• What Thanksgiving dishes can I make for myself and then freeze for later?
• Several traditional Thanksgiving dishes are freezer-friendly—including sweet potato casserole, stuffing, cranberry sauce, turkey, gravy, macaroni and cheese, rolls, and most pies.