An Open Letter To Those Who Spend Thanksgiving Alone
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

An Open Letter To Those Who Spend Thanksgiving Alone

"Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough. " -Oprah Winfrey

1573
An Open Letter To Those Who Spend Thanksgiving Alone
Pexels

Everyone regards Thanksgiving as a family holiday, but what is to be said for those who spend Thanksgiving alone?

Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful, a time to be loved. The holiday is most closely associated with family dinners, kids running around, and your significant other buttering up to your parents while talking about football. But what do you do if you spend your Thanksgiving alone?

The central theme around Thanksgiving happens to be family and the idea that surrounds a family. Thanksgiving commercials have a nice matching set of parents, carbon copy siblings, and even a few dogs. We are depicted as perfect people with perfect lives but you and I both know that's not the case.

Some people lose their families, some families aren't supportive, and other people just pull away for reasons unknown. No matter the case, it can be harrowing not getting to feel the same as everyone else on Thanksgiving. I know sometimes you'd like to stop tip toeing around the family questions or the Thanksgiving plans.

The truth is, there are many of us who spend Thanksgiving alone eating pizza or McDonalds while watching our favorite Christmas movies. I know Thanksgiving can be a tad depressing. But it really doesn't have to be.

It's okay to eat a pint of ice cream instead of turkey, or it's okay to make a Thanksgiving dinner for one. You don't need a significant other. You don't need the pretty perfect families on the commercials because those don't exist.

Instead, be grateful and thankful for all that you have. I hope you do not wallow in what you don't have. From these feelings is where you will find your joy. No matter the circumstance, there is good in every situation. At least you know you can't get into an argument over politics, or have to fight for the remote.

There are perks to not having a Thanksgiving that resembles those depicted throughout the season. You just need to find them, and I bet they can start with the fact that you don't have to share a pecan pie with anyone. I know that's what I'd look forward to the most.

Whether you spend your holidays alone or surrounded by family, remember that you reap what you sow. Watch those Christmas movies, be yourself, and be grateful for the life you've been given. The rest will fall into place.
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

51987
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

33406
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

956251
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

181166
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments