Happy Thanksgiving! This holiday brings new meaning to how one could express gratitude. With moving across the country, I’ve realized that this year’s Thanksgiving is going to look different for me: I decided to stay in NYC and spend Thanksgiving on my own. And while I know there are many people who are also in this same situation, it’s not exactly something to celebrate or flex when you see how others are spending time with their loved ones and families.
It is so easy to get carried away with how much fun others are enjoying the holidays. But instead of sulking or feeling guilty for not being home for Thanksgiving, I’ve decided to find new ways to celebrate this holiday season. And while I would easily take the chance to book a flight to see my family, I know that this is not an opportunity for many due to work, travel restrictions, and family conflict. As a new New Yorker, I’ve realized some ways to spending Thanksgiving alone in the city. Keep reading to find out more!
How to Spend Thanksgiving Alone in NYC
Realize That it’s Not the Worst Case Scenario
Spending the holidays alone in NYC is not the end of the world- it’s actually one of the most ideal case scenarios to be in. New York City always has events, parties, and festivities in every corner. So taking the chance to experience it all in your own pace and time is quite liberating! In fact, so many people even travel to New York to spend the holidays here. By flipping your perspective into thinking how lucky you are to be in such a lively city can open doors for anything to happen. You can easily check out holiday events when you view from Eventbrite.
Take Time to Give Back
If you’re feeling down, I highly encourage you to find ways to give back to the community. Whether it’s donating clothes, volunteering for a nonprofit, or making baked goods for a residential living facility, I feel like anyone and everyone could appreciate tokens of kindness this holiday season. Sometimes, by giving back, you also gain a greater sense of self in the process.
This year, I was able to volunteer at Feeding NYC – which is a nonprofit that helps deliver over 90,000 boxes of Thanksgiving meals to shelters and families of need. It was an incredible experience to meet other volunteers who also have the shared compassion for others.
Being Alone Doesn’t Mean You Should be Lonely
Like I said, there are so many other people in this country who are in the same boat – so why not connect? I was lucky enough to find a friend who was also staying in the city during Thanksgiving break – and we were able to have the most amazing Thanksgiving spread together. And if you do decide to be on your own during the holiday season, having the day to yourself can actually be quite peaceful! Allow your alone time on Thanksgiving to be a strength that others may not have during this season.
Take Time to Enjoy Your Own Company
There’s nothing more satisfying than the feeling of being content by yourself. Yes, there’s no one to talk to, but you can finally enjoy the many ways you feel joyous and happy this Thanksgiving! This could come in forms of pampering yourself, baking baked goods, or reading a good book. By being productive in your alone time, you can really progress in the hobbies and leisurely things you do want to enjoy but never had the time for!
Make Sure Your Loved Ones Know You Still Love Them (From Far Away)
You never should feel unloved or burdensome this holiday season – so let your loved ones know you’re thinking of them! I love surprising my family and friends with a meaningful long text about how much they matter to me, and sometimes, that’s enough to let them know you care. You can even send flowers, gifts, or food to them to help celebrate the holidays with them from afar. Just know that distance should never stop you from spreading love this Thanksgiving!
In essence, Thanksgiving is about taking the time to express what you are thankful for. Whether you are taking that time to reflect your thoughts by yourself or with loved ones – it is not a day wasted if someone is not physically there to spend it with you. I hope that this blog post is a reminder to anyone reading that you yourself can be the best company (even during the holiday season).
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Thank you for reading – until next time!
