Survival Tips for your First Thanksgiving Away from Home

Your first Thanksgiving away from home can be a rough one if you’re used to a big family event like something out of a Norman Rockwell painting. Heck, even if you do get into a few arguments with the family that doesn’t mean you won’t miss them. Don’t worry; we’ve got some tips so you won’t be caught unprepared. You can enjoy some of the best Thanksgiving traditions from your own home, even if traveling to be with family isn’t possible.

One of the biggest benefits of Thanksgiving is that you have an excuse to stuff your face with copious amounts of turkey without remorse. But when you’re away from home, what do you do? Well, there are a couple of options. The first is to go out to dinner. Be aware that many restaurants that serve traditional American style cuisine will be closed, and the few that are open will often be incredibly busy. Your best bet is to go with a buffet style restaurant if you don’t want to make a reservation, but if you go the sit down route be sure to call as early as you can to get a table. Another dinner option available if you are away from home and have the benefit of having others around you like roommates or a boyfriend/girlfriend who are in the same situation is to have your own Thanksgiving dinner. Making your own Thanksgiving dinner can be a rewarding experience that can be a great bonding experience.

As important as the Thanksgiving meal is, it usually won’t take up the entire day. To ease some of the homesickness that you could get, it’s best to try to plan some activities to keep you occupied. Because most businesses are closed for the Thanksgiving and outdoor activities are limited in much of the country by the cold, your entertainment options may be a bit limited. Going out to the movies even having your own movie marathon at home can be fun diversions. You might even find yourself with a new tradition on your hands. For me, Thanksgiving means fist fulls of turkey and Conan the Barbarian. If you live where it’s warm all year, then lucky you! You can head to a park or a beach and not have to worry about dealing with a crowd.

If you’re feeling a bit blue during there are two things to keep in mind. The first is not to drink if you’re alone. It’s never a good idea and an even worse one if you’re feeling the least bit homesick. The second thing is to keep your focus on the positive. Holidays can mean a lot of stress, but you’ve been given a free pass from it and can enjoy the holiday on your own terms. You can spend the whole day watching football in your underwear and without worrying about having to go anywhere or being presentable for anyone else. Call home and catch up with everyone and then continue enjoying your Thanksgiving however you see fit.

No matter how you decide to spend your first Thanksgiving away from home, it can be tough. Just spend a little time planning ahead and you’ll find that it can be a much more enjoyable experience than sitting home alone in the dark with a cold TV dinner.

Top Ten Reasons Thanksgiving is Really the Most Wonderful Time of Year

Each year when the holiday season rolls around, the tinsel, holly, and lights of Christmas time quickly overshadow the greatness of Thanksgiving. Here are the top ten reasons why Thanksgiving is truly the best holiday!

1. Seeing the Family. Most people, no matter their profession, and able to take a day off to relax with family near and far. Also, by not being as long as the Christmas to New Year season, Thanksgiving provides the perfect short but sweet family reunion.
2. Eating Food. No other meal compares with that of the beloved Thanksgiving dinner. Turkey, sweet potatoes, and pie are just a few of the delectable dishes that will always leave you stuffed. Sharing recipes and cooking together is always a great experience.
3. The Expectations. When it comes to Thanksgiving, there are no expectations for lavish gifts for every person you meet. A friendly welcoming and general merriment are all this holiday asks for. Dropping by with a friend is always encouraged and enjoyed.
4. Playing Football, Watching Football, and Enjoying Football. Any fan can tell you that the hype and excitement of a Thanksgiving Day football game is beyond any other game. Everybody can share all aspects of the game, from playing, watching, and enjoying!
5. Shop ‘till you Drop! What is known as “Black Friday,” the day after Thanksgiving shopping is the best sale day of the entire year. From Christmas presents to personal gifts, Thanksgiving offers the best selection for shoppers.
6. Gathering Friends. Thanksgiving is a great holiday that can be either family or friend oriented (or both!) Getting together a group of friends to celebrate thanks is a fine way for people who live far away to reconnect with one another.
7. Outdoor Activities. No matter where you live, Thanksgiving is still a time that offers a lot of outdoor activities in beautiful fall weather. Parades, pumpkin picking, hikes and drives are a great way to spend the afternoon. Take advantage of the scenic views.
8. Days and Days of Leftovers. While Thanksgiving dinner is a category in its self, what it leaves behind is a whole other story. Turkey sandwiches, casseroles, and pies are left to satisfy for weeks after the holiday. Thanksgiving is the meal that keeps on giving.
9. The Start of Christmas. For all you loyal Christmas fans, Thanksgiving can still be the best holiday for you as it is typically the benchmark of the start of the holiday season. Decorations come out as the turkey goes in around this time!
10. Open Possibilities. There are so many ways Thanksgiving can be celebrated. The types of gatherings a host can explore include different types of food, costumes and crafts for children, a fancy dinner party, or a rustic potluck! With numerous variations on time-honored traditions, it is not hard to plan a Thanksgiving to please everybody.
    
    This year think about the ways that Thanksgiving is important to you and your family to enjoy the holiday to its fullest potential. It is easy to see why Thanksgiving is a time that people remember the most. Soak up the great Thanksgiving memories and stories to share for years to come!