Thanksgiving with a twist - shared and solo celebration ideas

November 7, 5:29 PMSingle Life ExaminerJ.C. Russell

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  Turkey with tan lines created by aluminum foil while roasting.

It is understandable that some singulars want to be alone on a holiday, to sleep late, pamper themselves, revive their spirit, or clip their toenails. In a single person's life, there is much to be done, and all the pressure falls onto one person, so respites are welcome and necessary.  For those seeking holiday traditions or adventures, however, there is no reason to accept another kindly invitation to be the fifth wheel at someone else's soiree, with so many alternatives out there.

Consider this list of suggestions, both quirky and simple, to make the most of your Turkey Day.  And, if you work in retail, medical, travel, or other fields which do not allow a holiday break for your generous soul, thank-you for your services!  Maybe you can apply this list at another time?

- Gather your single friends for an international food fest at your place.  Everyone brings a dish (purchased or prepared) from their heritage. Sit on the floor together if your single pad has limited seating, or meet in a park, weather permitting.

- BBQ turkey, or deep fry (recipes online) as a casual picnic-style gathering.  No fuss, no giant table to arrange, natural outdoor flora and fauna for decor. Rent a couple of garden heat lamps for the night air, or serve buffet-style, indoors.  Make the turkey prep a new experience that everyone is willing to try with you - there will be puh-lenty of other food, if the experiment fails, and it will make a good story for next year.  Serve the new turkey recipe after a couple rounds of great wine, and ask the sober singles to bite their tongues.

- Go on a pilgrimage!  That's early American for "road trip"!  Hop in the car or any kind of vehicle and enjoy the scenery.  Pack some turkey sausages or sandwiches and call it a day, especially if a friend or partner can join you. Try a train ride to a new place within your state.  Take a hopper flight to a weekend destination.  Share the gas expenses with someone, and make a low budget getaway to watch the sunset from a new place, being thankful for your life and each other's support.

- Help someone less fortunate than yourself.  Give your time, and a hug, if you have no cash to give. Visit a hospital, veteran's home, elder care residence, food bank, or neighbor who lives alone.  Seek out church groups that may need a volunteer during the holiday season for uplifting events. Remember to take a plate of food to a lonely neighbor who cannot participate in your gathering, or a slice of pie to the meanie who hates your barking dog the other 364 days a year.

- Gather friends for a turkey trot.  Exercies together before the big meal on Thursday.

- If you own a big screen TV, there is no friggin' way you should be alone... any day.  Invite someone to watch football, movies, the Macy's Parade, or your alternative entertainment choices all day long. Who needs turkey, if there's takeout available? Crash for the day and hit the town on New Year's Eve, instead.

- Campfires are great gathering places.  Invite friends to meet with a Thanksgiving story to share, and hope someone owns and plays a guitar, too - always a plus.  Bring a camera instead of a turkey, and feel the warmth of good friends, good stories, and slightly charred marshmallows.  

- Have a turkey dressing contest.  That's all I'm sayin'.  You make it up, from there.

- Enjoy singles cruises from FL and CA, to the Bahamas and Mexican Riviera, respectively. For those high-budget lucky dogs with the entire week off, why not make a break for it?

- Reach out to others through email, phone calls, notes, cards, listing gratitude points in each.  Start a gratitude journal.  Pray.  Meditate.  Plan.  Celebrate.  Dream.  Discover.  And baste every 30 minutes (the turkey, silly).

A single thought:   share the love, and the calories

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