A Complete Guide to Spending Thanksgiving Alone

Embracing the solo feast

Nathan Chen
5 min readNov 12, 2023

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Thanksgiving: a time for gratitude, family, and an almost unreasonable amount of food. But what if this year finds you flying solo? Perhaps the thought strikes a chord of sadness, or maybe it’s a welcome break from the usual chaos. Either way, I’m here to walk you through the art of spending Thanksgiving alone, without skimping on the festivities or the feels.

The Solo Thanksgiving: It’s a Thing, Trust Me

Gone are the days when a table for one meant a TV dinner in front of the latest Netflix binge (although, no judgment if that’s your jam). Solo Thanksgiving can be a symphony of self-indulgence, reflection, and yes, even fun. Let’s break down the essentials.

1. Redefining the Feast

Who says you need a turkey the size of a small car? Embrace the freedom of not catering to Uncle Bob’s aversion to anything green or your cousin’s newfound, and highly vocal, veganism. You’re the chef, the critic, and the audience.

  • Get Creative with the Menu: Ever fancied a Thanksgiving pizza topped with cranberry and brie? Or maybe sushi is more your speed? This is your chance to throw tradition out the window and experiment with whatever tickles your taste buds.

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Nathan Chen

I'm Nathan Chen, a queer Asian writer advocating for LGBTQ+ issues, Asian representation, work life & mental health. Let's explore life's complexities together!