How to Spend Thanksgiving Alone: Tips and Ideas

How to Spend Thanksgiving Alone: Tips and Ideas

Celebrate Thanksgiving Alone and Make the Most of Your Day

Thanksgiving is an occasion to be with loved ones, but not everyone can be with their family and friends on this special day. If you're an overseas worker or international student who is far away from home, Thanksgiving can be a lonely time. However, there are ways to make the most of the day and celebrate alone. If you're not traveling this year and will be spending Thanksgiving alone, don't fret. Here are some tips to help you enjoy Thanksgiving even if you're alone. Let's go!


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Travel Tips
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Thanksgiving is a time for family gatherings and sharing meals, but for some, it can be a solo event. Whether you're spending Thanksgiving alone by choice or circumstance, it can still be a fun and enjoyable experience. Here are some tips to help you survive and thrive during a solo Thanksgiving:



1. Taking Time to Relax and Unwind

We all need to pamper ourselves from time to time. Personally, I enjoy indulging in a warm bubble bath with Dr. Teal's Foaming Bath. Eucalyptus is my go-to scent as it makes me feel like I'm at a spa. I like to play soft background music and sometimes light candles to create a calming atmosphere. Remember, you are not alone and should cherish the time you spend with yourself. Right now, it's all about relaxing and enjoying your own company.


2. Pick Up a Book

Take some time to dig into that book you've been meaning to finish or the one that's been collecting dust on your bookshelf. If reading isn't your thing, try an audiobook or a podcast. You can still keep busy while enjoying a good story in the background. 
My Life-Changing Book Recommendations.


3. Enjoy a Movie Marathon

Are you in the mood for a movie marathon? Now is the perfect opportunity to binge-watch those trilogies you've been wanting to see. To make the most out of your experience, be sure to grab some popcorn, nachos, and milk tea to add some excitement to the occasion.


4. Reconnect with Nature by Taking a Hike or a Long Walk

Spending time in nature can be a comforting and therapeutic experience. Take some time to explore the great outdoors by going for a hike or a long walk. If you'd rather stay close to home, consider taking an early morning stroll around your neighborhood, perhaps even taking a different path than usual. This can be a great way to get your body moving and start your day on the right foot. Also, did you know that soaking up some early morning sunshine can be very refreshing and stimulate the release of happy hormones? It's true! And why not spread the joy by giving someone a smile and wishing them a happy Thanksgiving if you encounter them on the street? Even if they don't respond, your effort to brighten their day can make all the difference.


5. Enjoy the Pleasures of Cooking

Cooking is an excellent way to spend your day, providing a relaxing and fulfilling experience that can transport you to a different level of zen. Indulge in something you love by trying out that recipe you saved on Instagram or liked on TikTok. Now's the perfect opportunity to unleash your inner chef. 

I tried making my favorite Korean Bibimbap with the help of this Comic Book with Recipes.


6. Enjoy Your Favorite Meal without Cooking

If you're not in the mood to cook on Thanksgiving, why not order ahead of time? Plan accordingly and order your favorite meal a day in advance instead of waiting until the big day. Since most restaurants are closed on Thanksgiving, you can heat up the meal the next day. You won't even notice the difference as it will taste freshly made from the kitchen. Just make sure to reheat it properly. One trick is to cover it with a wet paper towel to bring dry foods back to life. Alternatively, you can steam the food to prevent it from drying out.


7. Get Moving!

Whether it's high-intensity interval training (HIIT), beginner yoga, weightlifting, or your favorite exercise, make sure to get your body moving. Exercising releases endorphins, also known as happy hormones, which can improve your mood and overall well-being. Consider trying that one-hour yoga for beginners session on your YouTube watchlist.


8. Declutter Your Room

It's time to tackle that corner where you've been piling boxes for the past year. Tidying up is an effective way to clear your mind and bring positivity and clarity to your daily life. The day after tidying up your living space, you'll thank yourself for the self-care and effort put into it.


9. Reach Out to a Friend

Do you have a friend who might be feeling alone on Thanksgiving, especially if they're far away from home? Now is the perfect time to reconnect. Reach out and give them a call – even a quick "hello" can brighten up both your day and theirs.


10. Prioritize Getting Enough Sleep

While this may not be applicable to everyone, it's worth noting that many people are sleep-deprived. Taking the time to pay off your sleep debt can help you feel refreshed and revitalized. A well-rested mind can inspire you to accomplish more during the day. You'll have more energy to tackle tasks such as cooking, cleaning, or engaging in personal care activities. Be sure to set an alarm and avoid sleeping through the entire day to make the most of your time.


Bonus tip: Making the Most of Solo Thanksgiving with Productive and Self-Caring Activities


  • Practice Mindfulness

Have you ever considered keeping a Gratitude Journal? This is an excellent daily mindfulness task that you can do at the end of each day. Simply write down things that made you happy during the day, and your exciting plans for tomorrow.


  • Power of Writing
I strongly advocate for the practice of writing down your goals and tasks in a Weekly Planner. This helps prioritize your task and ensures that you accomplish everything you set out to do. Remember, if you're not writing your goals down, then they're only dreams. If a weekly planner is too much, then take some baby steps and get a To-Do List Notebook.


  • Plan Your Next Adventure
When I get the chance, I love to map out my next travel adventure. To make things more organized and manageable, I use a Travel Planner. This tool helps me research and identify key areas of interest. Moreover, it ensures I stay within my travel budget.


Try any of these activities and you'll be surprised at how quickly time flies by. Not only will you be productive, but it's also a great way to practice self-love and care. Be kind to yourself.

Have fun and be safe ^__^



Do you want more adventure?
Here is a Compilation of all my thrilling escapades over the past few years. Perhaps it's time to revisit your own bucket list and make some progress towards achieving your goals.

Where am I going next?



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