Alone at Thanksgiving: Five Things to Do Instead of Feeling Sorry for Yourself

Are you going to be alone this Thanksgiving? Instead of sitting home alone microwaving a frozen turkey dinner and feeling sorry for yourself, why don't you consider one of these suggestions to make your Thanksgiving a time of true gratitude.

1. Adopt An Attitude of Gratitude

The first thing you should do is think about all the things you have to be grateful for. It could be the clothes on your back, a place to live, your health, the ability to walk, talk. Writing a list of gratitude helps put things in perspective. Just because you are alone on Thanksgiving doesn't mean you will always be alone. It doesn't mean you are alone in the world. Write a list of at least 20 things you have to be grateful for and look at it throughout the day if you find yourself feeling down.

2. Reach Out

No man (or woman) is an island. You may think you are the only person who is going to be alone on Thanksgiving but you are among many who, for whatever circumstance, will be spending the holiday without company. Do you have any single or elderly neighbors? Any acquaintances or work friends that may be interested in having Thanksgiving together? It may sound far-fetched, but perhaps putting an ad on Craigslist (platonic only!) or on a social networking site. Something fun like "Any Misfit Toys going alone at Thanksgiving? Want to have dinner?" A word of caution though: meet only at a public place, never invite strangers from the Internet to your home!

3. Become a Daytripper

Many places are open on Thanksgiving Day, so if you are going to be alone at Thanksgiving, consider taking a day trip somewhere. Perhaps hiking, or a local theme park, or take in a double feature. Go somewhere you've never been, try something new. Be thankful that you are acquiring new experiences.

4. Volunteer

There are so many places to volunteer your time at Thanksgiving. In addition to helping spoon up meals at your local homeless shelter, consider other volunteer options. Think about volunteering at a local retirement home, serving and eating dinner with elderly people who don't have visitors. You could contact your local domestic violence facility and invite a single mother and her children for Thanksgiving dinner (if you are a woman, they may not be agreeable to this if you are a man). Other places to volunteer at Thanksgiving include: group homes for the disabled or for foster children, animal shelters, or consider bringing a Thanksgiving meal to your local police station or firehouse.

5. Party Of One

Celebrate Thanksgiving alone in style. Get a Cornish game hen (or Tofurkey!), make some mashed potatoes and green bean casserole for one, set the table, light some candles, and treat yourself to a Thanksgiving for one! It is okay to be alone. You know, my mother once told me that we come into this world alone, we leave this world alone and there are many times in life where we are alone. You have got to come to a place where you are at peace with sometimes being alone. Care for yourself. Take a long bath, read a good book, eat some chocolate, whatever makes you feel happy or contented.

Try to come to a place of gratitude this Thanksgiving, even if you are spending it alone. You can still have a great day flying solo. I hope these five tips have helped!