I would not cook a full holiday meal. I would probably choose a few special food items and make them for myself, and then spend the day doing enjoyable activities....reading, watching a movie, talking/video chatting with friends or family on the phone, etc.

Depends on the holiday although with Covid what I used to do which was find a buffet that served Thanksgiving type food with the promise of things that I would like to try or I considered too expensive. I think I put one place that served various fish type things like smoked salmon and a half dozen types of pickled fish out of business. This year I splurged and purchased a frozen turkey breast and since they had them a large roasting hen, although it was not labeled as such, for Christmas. For New Years Day I purchase what I call "goodies" to nibble on. Not things I want to have leftovers of so a small amount of deli stuff with fruit, fresh and dried. The splurge jam that I purchased and did not open.

Some years on Christmas Eve or Night if streets are not icy I drive around and look at lights. While it used to be sort of a tradition to leave lights on at least on Christmas Day night more people are turning them off so am seeing less when driving on Christmas.

My first thought was if you are okay with this? Could you invite someone to you?

I think I would look into volunteering somewhere during the day. I wouldn't do an elaborate meal, but would have at one special thing.

Been that way most of my life at Christmas and Thanksgiving: I don't celebrate it, I'm not working, and most of the city is closed.......I fire up my DVD player, cook or bake something big and involved I don't take the time to do often, like pretzels or meat pies, and have my favourite music ready to alternate with those DVDs.

ME? I'm fine alone. Just sent son an email regarding this. He can enjoy his hunting plus wife's family.

Do not fix for myself. Just whatever.

If I knew a restaurant that had what I would like, I would go or order a meal. If not, I would cook just what I wanted. I would indulge in pets, books, music, candy, and desserts. I am an introvert, so it would be a treat for me to not have to ingage with others. If you are an extrovert, I would suggest something completely different.

Me....no, not cook....I'd probably go skiing. Or...rent a really nice cabin in the mountains. Or....get involved in a really big upholstery project, so I'd be super busy all day doing something I like doing. Or.....volunteer to serve a holiday meal at a local soup kitchen.

I spent one Christmas alone with my 2 year old once. A friend said I was invited to her family home for dinner and her parents would come and pick us up. Nobody showed. We ate hot dogs for dinner. Had I known she didn't ask her parents to come get us, I would have at least bought a couple turkey TV dinners. For two years, it was just my husband and I for Christmas because of covid. We didn't want to risk the whole family getting sick. The first year we bought a stuffed turkey breast from M&M Meat Market. It was so gross! The second year, I bought a turkey breast from Sobeys and made us a small turkey dinner.

Thanksgiving is on Thursday. Do whatever you would normally do on such a day. Preparing a holiday for one is not likely to make you feel better. Just my opinion. If you want to make dishes you don't normally have, do it on another day.

Don't dwell, we all face such circumstances we don't prefer from time to time. Working on developing the attitude "not a big deal" and avoiding feeling sorry for yourself should help.

Many restaurants are open for a Thanksgiving meal. Must make a reservation in advance around here. If you arent comfortable eating alone, get take-out and enjoy a lovely meal at home, perhaps with good leftovers. If not, cook whatever you want, enjoy some tv, a good book or whatever you’d like to do. Go for a walk, weather permitting. We usually do.

Our church makes a Thanksgiving meal for anyone who needs it so I would be there helping, eating. Christmas last year I was alone and waited for my kids to come before I cooked the holiday meal so just treated it like any Saturday I am alone. Mass, chores, email etc. watch It's a Wonderful LIfe. I have the TV fireplace on--they play Christmas music in December. I wish I played an instrument. The gathering space at a nursing home would be a great place to spread holiday cheer!

Because of work responsibilities my son and family will come near but not on Thanksgiving. But one is never really alone with a chihuahua and a labrador retriever. And a kitty. Especially if one wants to watch a holiday special or good movie. Kitty sits on the back of the sofa behind my head. Chihuahua sits on my lap. Lab lies at my feet. One at a time change their position so they can be petted. Major disruption if I get up for a snack but they rearrange in a minute or two when I return. All 3 will get a slice of turkey as I celebrate them being with me, and the good things in my life including them, having my family and beautiful grand daughter nearby, that we have enough to eat, and can have special holiday meals, and our love for each other.

I'd go out for lunch at a nice restaurant and bring home a great dessert (or two). Then I'd read, watch TV or work on a project.

If I knew someone else who was alone I might invite them to join me.

I would try to have all projects, either work or housecleaning, completed before the big day and do nothing but read. I would treat myself to fried chicken, potato salad and maybe a cookie or slice of cake, both of which are a normal no-no on my diet.

I just realized that it sounds as if Im going to be alone, but Im not. I thought I was going to be but Im going with a friend to her daughter's house for dinner. I was just curious how others would handle it. Hope you all have a wonderful holiday.

I've lived alone (out of choice) for the last 44yrs. Never married, no kids. One brother left, and his wife and two children, three grandchildren. When the kids were little, the niece and nephew and then their kids, I made a point of joining in the family dinner at my brother's.

But the kids grew up, sister-in-law was tired of cooking big meals and people just eating then off to in-laws. Many times we gathered a week before or even a day or two later than the actual holiday. I was okay with staying home away from the drama. On Thanksgiving and Christmas I used to cook a full holiday meal for myself, that is one or two servings worth, even dessert. But now I'm tired of cooking too. I sometimes order carry-out, sometimes eat whatever plus good neighbors will often bring me a plate from their holiday gatherings. It doesn't bother me that I'm alone. At least it hasn't so far.

If alone I'd treat myself to a local eatery which offers a Thanksgiving buffet. We do not have kids so my wife and I will go out to eat if there's a good offer at a nice restaurant, we're worth it, nyuk. If you know someone else in your position it's more fun with company.

I'm always alone and house bound, so I will do what I enjoy doing each day and that is making cards. I will make a sandwich for my supper.

If I were really alone, I would make a pan of my chicken dressing and some gravy, and a pumpkin pie, and eat it alternately while binge watching my favorite Christmas movies. I was alone last year, though I was not supposed to be. SO went to see his family "for an hour or so" and ended up gone for over 6 hours because his car was broken down. So, I ate the food I had cooked while watching Christmas movies in bed. It was fine.

I still have my Sony 5-CD player and I would queue up a stack of my favorite CDs and dance and dance like no one's watching because they wouldn't be - Kinks 'Come Dancing' would be on repeat for awhile.

I would call friends and family to talk and say happy holidays, and hopefully one or two would call me first.

I would cook either turkey thighs or a small whole bird with my favorites, mashed potatoes, stuffing, loads of gravy, and cranberry sauce with ginger, orange, etc. and simple green beans with lemon zest & juice, olive oil and parsley. I'd enjoy red wine but hopefully not the whole bottle. Probably make a pumpkin pie. And I'd have real caffeinated coffee afterwards. And then a small glass of cognac while watching sappy romcoms until 3 am such as 'Love, Actually' etc. including some oldies, maybe even Rudolph.

Next days, enjoy all the leftovers, perfect leftover plate repeating the dinner, then a turkey sandwich with cranberry sauce and cream cheese, then a turkey gravy sandwich on toasted buttered bread.

I think I'm very selfish, wouldn't volunteer (as I'm too shy and it would stress me out, but I do donate to foodbank monthly). I'd relish time alone after raising 2 kids (and felt swamped by it) ... happily, so far into their mid-20s they still like to come home for holidays, and my husband cooks more modern food which is also awesome. So I'm relishing that richness and feel lucky for it. Thanks for a poignant question that made me think.

I live alone, but have for many years celebrated Thanksgiving with a wonderful very large, very fun family (friends). Covid changed that, but they are finally gathering again this year. However, I have opted out because it will just be too many people indoors. I probably will be invited elsewhere when my other friends learn I’ve opted out of the large gathering. But, I saw a local restaurant is preparing a gourmet feast they will deliver on Wednesday, so I ordered it, just to keep my options open. If I go to friends’, I’ll have wonderful leftovers all weekend. Or I can opt to stay home and invite someone here.

Well....I am alone for the first time in 21 years. I lost my husband in May. No family close, No kids, we got married in our 40's and my family is back in UK. I will try a cook a turkey dinner for myself.

Going for a 2-3 hour hike or bike ride is a Thanksgiving tradition for me, which has taken the place of church on the day (it seems that few Protestant churches have services on T-day now!). If my child can't come over for some reason, I will have whatever I'm in the mood for to eat, sometimes that is something unusual, sometimes it is a classic dish. And I will spend time praying, and reflecting on how we came to have Thanksgiving, then finish with whatever activity strikes my fancy in the moment.

Christmas definitely involves church attendance. I listen to the Messiah (sing along as much as I am able) on either Christmas eve or day, Again, it depends on whether my child can come over to fix dinner with me - if so, we cook, open presents and play games, maybe watch a movie together, go for a walk to look at decorations.

I spent one Thanksgiving home alone. I jokingly told people I split a can of tuna with the cat.

I have, and lived to tell the tale. Were it to happen now, I suppose it would depend on why, and how much notice I have.

Does talking on the phone count? I would call a few family and friends.

And if I were housebound (not sure what the parameters of this scenario are), I would spend the day watching holiday and oher favorite movies, and eating Stouffer’s Spinach Soufflè and SmartPop White Cheddar, with rosé in the evening.

Can I get out to church? I love a candlelight service, singing Silent Night at 11:58, and Joy to the World at midnight.

Can I go further afield? Serve at the nursing home or children’s group home, but I would need advance notice for clearance to be there.

I've never been alone for a holiday. My family always gets together at our house every year. This year we are celebrating on Wednesday. Thursday I'll drag out the Christmas stuff and eat leftovers.

If I was alone I would go out to a holiday buffet then to the club for a few drinks and conversation.

One year we weren't having Thanksgiving until the weekend. The only place hubby and I could find that wasn't only serving turkey Thanksgiving day was Kings. I was really surprised at the people there. There were older women there having dessert together, couples like us, and dad's with their young kids.

I had many holidays alone when I was a very happy divorcee and loved every one of them. Plenty of times, I did host a friends dinner but mostly I just enjoyed my own company, fixing whatever I felt like eating. It was also my kick off day for the Xmas craft period, so that was enjoyable for me.

I normally work on Thanksgiving but this year I gave up a week of vacation in the Spring because we were so under staffed. When they hired a bunch of new people after that, Thanksgiving week was open so I asked for it. I told my daughter last week that I would drive one day to the city she lives in and take her and her boyfriend to lunch or dinner. That way they wouldn't have to try and make it to three different homes on Thanksgiving day. Her boyfriend's mom and part of their family moved to one of the nearby towns from down south so the kids wouldn't have to drive so far away during holidays. Then there is my kid's father in yet another town they will be going to.

Anyway, I thought my plan was good, then the boyfriend's mom invited me the other day to join them for Thanksgiving, so I guess I'm going over there. We've met twice now and she seems really nice, once we had lunch with my daughter and I invited her awhile ago to join my new game night group and she finally was able to make it yesterday.

Normally I work on the holidays, so then I usually make me whatever I want to eat. I used to try and pick a different day for my holiday meals with my kids. Now that they are grown it's getting harder to coordinate because they have their father, me and now a bunch of friends they also might want to spend time with. My son is living in another country so not sure he will be home for Christams. I haven't asked him yet. I put myself down for Christmas day to work, and am working a 12 hour day the day after. I may just do the dinner out on a day I have off.

I think if you're in the mood for a normal Thanksgiving meal, then you should make the dishes you like the best. It doesn't have to be huge. They have very small hams and turkeys or turkey parts you can buy. If you bake a whole pie, just freeze the leftovers for another day. I love quiches and the pretty quiche pan I bought earlier this year is massive. So I'll cut it up into slices and freeze for later meals/snacks.

I won't be alone because DH is here. But if I were I would go to the barn and spend most of the day with the horses. This Thanksgiving I will be riding for a few hours but I will come home. Not sure if we will eat turkey at home or just call it a regular day this year and eat whatever. We've got a lot to keep us busy. I'd actually prefer to just go to a nice restaurant on a non holiday. When we've dined out on Thanksgiving in the past we never had the turkey. Usually prime rib or seafood. Year round if I don't feel like fixing turkey at home I go to a hofbrau for it. The only thing missing is my home made stuffing.

I have been so tired, ill, and overwhelmed for months.

I wish I could be alone from now through February.

I woud have a long nap daily! I’d go to bed early and sleep late! I would be incredibly Thankful!

I’ve spent many holidays alone and never minded at all.

I spend most of my days and energy now just trying to get one load of laundry finished, get supper on the table, and get the bed made.

Of course tending to Sam’s and Bella’s every need, and letting them out - and in - and out - and in - on demand takes time. With these two bozos I am never ”lonely.”

DH was planning a hunting trip that woud have meant 10 days of rest for me, but he cancelled it.

I’ve discussed an abbreviated traditional Thanksgiving dinner. He’s okay with it.

It takes more than an hour, each way, to go out to eat, That takes more energy than just cooking.

I enjoyed wonderful Holiday dinners and celebrations when I was in the Air Force, especially when I was overseas.

I’ve fixed a full-blown Christmas feast for an Aunt and DH while working 12-hour days at a 1,200-inmate jail.

I’ve happily hosted my entire famiy many times.

And pot-luck Holiday meals were awaya the very best!!

Now? I just want to rest.

My Best Friend since age 4 has been dead 10 years this month. Another life-long friend is dying of lung cancer. I lost two aunts and a cousin this year. Mom has had a mind-altering stroke.

i just want a break from it all.

If I were alone for a holiday, it would be fine by me. I find wonderful solace in being alone. Even though it is just hubs and I here now, I still love being alone for a few days.

If you live alone, anyway, I guess it is just another day of normal. It seems that there is a difference between being alone on occasion and living alone.

I have often thought how I would live by myself. I cook everyday and maintain a full kitchen, mainly because we have a shared life. But, all by myself, would I do any of this?

Alone or not, I could forego the entire onslaught of winter holidays. I am so glad when it is all passed and we get to New Years Day. I breathe a sigh of relief that we are free of it for another year.

I make no apologies for being one who hates these holidays.

I did the whole thing, for decades, complete with anxiety and holiday cookies and decorations and gifts and all of that, and I am done, done, done.

Given the severity of what is happening around me, I simply cannot but see all the banality of inflated penguins and needless gifts that no one needs or wants. To be honest, I find it existentially disturbing. Some would say that it is welcome celebration, but I dont share that view.

I am not asking anyone else to join me in my existential disagreement. But, that is how I feel. I own it.

I gave up gift giving or receiving many years ago and it was one of the best things that I have done for my sanity, ever. I have not put up decorations for a number of years now and have edited down our holiday bucket o' stuff to just those things that do hold some nice memories. And,, they stay in the bucket.

There were some nice memories along the way, but I am completely done with it, including turkey day.

I elected to stay home, not on Thanksgiving or Christmas, but on Easter - when my DD was 7 months old. I was working full time, 12 hour exhausting shifts, carrying the responsibility of cleaning, laundry, etc, and being the only one who would tend to the baby when she needed something, especially in the night... I was tired! So I told the hubs that I was not going to go to his parents' house - a 2 + hour drive on a normal day through Los Angeles, but on a holiday it could be 4 hours one way - and I didn't care if MIL was offended.

I stayed home, slept late, went to the local farm stand & bought fresh strawberries, to the grocery for cream and other goodies for breakfast - back home, ate, and back to bed with a book. It was wonderful and probably saved our marriage - for a little while.

It's just DH and I for both holidays, since DD/SIL won't be here until the last weekend in December. If DH weren't here, I would ignore it all, except the tree and cookies. I have a peaceful life and in the early winter am still blissful with a fire, book. hot cocoa and barn chores with fuzzy horsies.

We put up a live Christmas tree, and I would on my own, because the light, the smells, the colors are lovely against the cold and dark. If I lived someplace warm, though, that tradition might end.

We put up a live Christmas tree, and I would on my own, because the light, the smells, the colors are lovely against the cold and dark. If I lived someplace warm, though, that tradition might end. It takes away from reading

I would read and nap all day long. I wouldn't cook a holiday dinner but I might buy one someplace beforehand and warm it up.

i rather like being alone. lost my husband 15 years ago and holidays have never been the same since. gary adored Christmas and his enthusiasm was contagious. now that i don't have that, i'm content to spend holidays with my 2 great danes. we'll go for a romp in the fields and maybe see if any of the fast food joints are open for pup cups.

i like to give my son and his family (wife and 6 year old little boy) privacy during the holidays. they live such busy lives, always on the go and while they always invite me, i like to give them those special days alone. i'll celebrate with them a day or 2 after a holiday when things aren't so hectic.

wishing everyone a lovely and peaceful holiday season!!

I totally agree with you Ninapearl! That's exactly my take on spending the Holidays alone. Quietness and peacefulness is a gift!

I'll be alone for Thanksgiving, not for the first time. I have a standing invitation to join a large family for dinner, but as some others have posted, I'm in need of rest this year and will use this opportunity to be self-indulgent and get some.

I'll make a nice fire in the woodstove and read or stream something on TV--things I normally don't do during the day. I'll also put headphones on and listen to a Yoga Nidra recording for a half-hour or so, a good thing to do even if I fall asleep in the middle of it. I will try my best to turn off the "voice" that tells me about the various chores I should be doing.

Definitely not cooking a big dinner, as that would make me sad. It will not be a sad day otherwise.