Giving a Shout Out to All Who Spent Today Alone...

[citizen blues]

There are many reasons why people are alone on Thanksgiving. Some will attend gatherings later this weekend. But I just wanted to let anyone who spent today at home alone today know that you're not forgotten. Your presence here is much appreciated.

Many blessings to you.

[aikoaiko]

1. peace.

[PoliticAverse]

2. Did you spend it alone? n/t

[sprinkleeninow]

3. A lovely thoughtful gesture. In our hearts today and every day.

[skylucy]

4. ...

[denbot]

5. K&R

Peace to all those who are missing the comfort others.

[StarryNite]

6. What a very nice post.

[peacebuzzard]

7. Hi

Today has been great!!much needed rest and home from a 2+ weeks of job related training. Nice to be home and giving thanks to eat whatever I have here. Nice to be surrounded by my critters and wildlife outside. Happy thanks today!

[BigmanPigman]

8. I chose to spend the day at home with my little dog.

I still cry thinking about a death in our extended dog family a few months ago so I didn't want to force myself to put on a happy face...It would have made me more sad and I didn't want to ruin the party for the others. Then on Sat I got a fever and had it until last night (I did get a flu shot and am not around sick students ). I guess it was "meant to be". So I rested by making 15 pins and 4 bumpers stickers that are anti-tRump. I give them away for free when people admire mine and we talk and I learn they are a true Dem. My Thanksgiving was for me to show my 15+ baby that I am very thankful she is still with me.

[Fatemah2774]

20. +1

[Raine]

9. Thank you

for such a nice post...

[mecherosegarden]

10. Thank you!

I needed to read something like that.

[mnhtnbb]

11. Thank you

for thinking of all of us who spent Thanksgiving alone.

I will have an alternative Thanksgiving with my son and his partner when they come tomorrow to help me with moving to a larger apartment in my same building. I will take them out to dinner afterwards.

I enjoyed yesterday. Cooked a turkey breast for myself and had mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, peas and mushrooms, and pumpkin pie. Watched the parade. Watched football. Watched The Wizard of Oz. Made two trips moving stuff to the new apartment. Took a nap. Finalized the furniture layout for the new apartment.
It was a wonderful day.

Today I will go see if I can find a new love seat for my living room that can be delivered next week.

[mnmoderatedem]

12. Thanks. I spent it with a picture of my late mother on my table

she died a over a year ago. T-day was always "our day", as my brother always spent the day with his in laws, and it was always just me and mom. It was so nice and peaceful, turkey dinner with just me and mom. I put a portrait of her on my table and made a small turkey dinner to relieve the memories. It helped.

[Scarsdale]

30. Here is a little tip about turkey.

I used to bake an entire turkey when the family were all coming over. Now it is down to two of us, one son and myself. Jennie-O puts out a turkey breast in a bag. You put 1/2 cup of water in the crock pot, cut holes in the bag with the turkey breast in and cook it for several hours. All meat, no waste, no bones. Delicious. Enough meat for two, plus turkey hash for another meal. So easy. Happy Thanksgiving to all.

[elocs]

13. I'm schizoid and I spent the day alone and loved it that way.

That's a big upside I find to being schizoid--I can be alone without ever feeling lonely.

[spike jones]

28. I am there with you so to speak

Being schizophrenic means you are never alone.
Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
I'm schizophrenic,
And so am I.

[Haggis for Breakfast]

50. Ian Hunter put out an album decades ago called

"You're Never Alone with a Schizophrenic."

[SoCalDem]

14. This was my first Thanksgiving alone ever...

Since my husband died a month ago, it's very quiet around here.. .. Our Seattle son and his girlfriend invited me to her folks' house, but I declined.. Making small talk with people I don't know did not appeal to me.. Son & GF are coming here Saturday. so we'll have a dinner out..

It was just me & the kitties, napping & watching tv..

I did cook some chicken & made some rice for my dinner ..

This widow thing will take some getting used to..

I was a kid...then a student and then a wife..

[sharedvalues]

22. Good for you staying positive

Holidays are so hard after a loss, especially the first few holidays. Glad you get to see family tomorrow

[wryter2000]

24. Hang in there

My mantra is "I don't have to be merry if I don't want to be." There's so much pressure to be happy during the holidays.

Like you, I don't enjoy making small talk with strangers. I'd rather be alone.

[Honeycombe8]

35. It's okay to spend it alone, with your kitties and your thoughts and memories.

You are lucky. You have people who love you, and you had a loving husband for decades.

I'm recently retired but had a very busy job in a big city. I chose to spend Thanksgiving alone for many years, and loved it. I cooked a turkey every year, and I and my pets would all eat turkey to our hearts' content. I had no need to make all those side dishes I never cared for. I watched part of the parade, and movies. I prepared for shopping deals after Thanksgiving. The day was always rejuvenating after the hectic work schedule and years spent on the road traveling to see my parents for the holidays.I could have spent the day with friends or travel to see family, but I chose to make it a day for me. I look back on that with happiness, watching my pets sit by the stove, drooling, waiting for the turkey to come out.

The worst part is that people feel sorry for you being alone on Thanksgiving. That is irritating, and there's nothing to be done about that. I remind myself of the arguments we had in prior get togethers with family, and that that is going on with some of the families who think it's terrible that I spend the day alone.

This is a day for YOU. There will be plenty of days to spend with family. That's the way I think of it. I love it.

My turkey turned out great this year!

[lindysalsagal]

44. It's time for you to be the center of your life. Relish the choices the luxury of indulging whims

with fewer plans, more spontineity.

Find your new people: those who share your passions and questions. You are your own scriptwriter, director, mentor.

Start with a meditation group, possibly exercise of some kind, and a craft. It will move out from there.

Trust time. Trust your own choices. You'll know what's best. Just remember that there are women everywhere choosing to get divorces and strike out on their own. With meetup, it's easier than ever.

Have fun!

[no_hypocrisy]

15. I celebrated my first Thanksgiving being alone.

Finally no emotional abuse from a narcissistic father, a mother often markedly inebriated, sniping from the siblings, . . . . and bad lighting.

Peace and quiet.

I even chose a menu at home that bore no resemblance to the traditional Thanksgiving table. No turkey nor pumpkin pie to be found.

I *was* going to drive 2-3 hours over two bridges to spend the time with my sister, her husband, and their in-laws. But when my sister advised that the in-laws were fanatics of Donald Trump and not to say a word, I had to bow out. Even my sister (who sheepishly admitted that she voted for Trump), said she took dog-walking employment to get out of there ASAP.

I wish the remainder of my Thanksgivings could be as good as yesterday.

Remember, for some of us, being alone is not equivalent with being lonely.

BTW, shout-out to the DU Loners Group: https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=forum&id=1237

[wryter2000]

25. I read your thread the other day

I'm so glad you didn't go. Do the same next year.

[lindysalsagal]

45. "Place your own breathing mask on first, and then assist those around you." Well done.

Save yourself. Life is short.

[agingdem]

16. alone and enjoying it!

first time in 49 years I haven't had to cook...mind you, I loved every minute of having the family together...two years ago my husband of 47 years died suddenly and seeing his empty chair is something I didn't want to go thru again so staying home and eating a BLT with avocado was delighful...

[Vinca]

19. Good for you. That's what I would do, too.

[Vinca]

17. After reading some of the posts about family gatherings with Trump supporters.

the people who spent the day alone were the lucky ones.

[MFGsunny]

18. K & R

[Fatemah2774]

21. I rather be alone to be honest...

I spend my time with my two cats and prefer the company of cats than people. I've been assaulted several times as a transgender person and although i live in NYC, frequently the holiday season from Thanksgiving to New Years Day finds me afraid, anxious, and generally scared for my well being.

I'm sorry to put a dour mood on this post so all those who were alone or will be alone during these holiday gatherings please find whatever comfort you may need to find your happiness.

[CousinIT]

23. Thanks.

Most of my family is on the other side of the US.

Over half are Trumpians who don't give a rat damn about me so that's just fine. Actually the rest really don't either (out of sight, out of mind) so there's that.

I'm happy to have the time off work and stay at home with my fuzzbutts.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

26. It was actually just fine.

I usually spend T-day with my brother and his family but they blew me off this year because they'd made other plans (and didn't let me know until the night before, so now I have the pie and the wine I bought all to myself), but that's OK because I didn't really want to go anyhow. Spent a pleasant day with my cats and Netflix.

[pazzyanne]

33. Sounds like what happened to me, with all the same parts to my day.

Also spending the day with my cats and Netflix. Got a jump start on Christmas videos.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

39. The only difference might be that I binge-watched a British cop series,

"The Fall," which was very good but very dark. I don't care much for Christmas videos because they're so damn sentimental, which I am not. Otherwise a relaxing day with cats, TV and the food I thought I'd be expected to bring to dinner before I got blown off at the last minute. I'm happy to stay home by myself but I'm still annoyed at being dumped without reasonable notice. I've decided I won't do Christmas, either - might do a couple of quiet days at a resort up north instead.

[pazzyanne]

47. I like the Christmas videos because you don't have to think about them.

This year I needed them more than usual, after the past two years. A resort up north sound great. If you go, enjoy the peace and beauty.

[YOHABLO]

29. That is very kind of you to say.

[rickyhall]

31. I would have spent TGD alone but I had to work Black Thursday @ Walmart

[pazzyanne]

32. Thank you!

I love hanging out with the people on DU. In many respects they are part of my family, so I never feel like I am alone. I appreciate each and everyone of you immensely!

[TwistOneUp]

34. Thank You! nt

[Honeycombe8]

36. I chose not to spend the day with my Trumper father and stepmother. A good day.

I have liked spending Thanksgiving alone in years past. A special day for ME and my pets. A respite from the busy schedule.

I'm retired, now, and I moved away from my friends, but near family. I wasn't looking forward to spending this particular Thanksgiving alone, but in the end, decided I just did not want to be around Trumpers. So I decided to give it a go, and I did enjoy my day alone with my dog (my other dog died last Thanksgiving). I cooked a turkey, and it turned out great! I watched a bit of the parade, a movie, did internet browsing preparing for Good Friday shopping online. It was beautiful weather, so we took a short walk. A good day.

[BlueInRedHell]

37. Not alone but not really a Thanksgiving, either r/o

I'm sick and couldn't cook for my husband and our friend so, we'll be celebrating on a different day early in December.

[Blue_true]

38. I was planning a quiet day. But then my brother called last night.

He had some tasks to do and was too lazy (his reason, not mine) to do them by himself. So I guess he thought "hey, I know this guy who may help out". Long story short, I am whipped right now and bed tonight will be a respite.

[Marrah_Goodman]

40. Thank you

I was home sick. My folks saved enough food for a second Thanksgiving and I am going over tomorrow.

[roody]

41. I lied and said I had plans.

I had no desire to go anywhere. I enjoyed a day with my two dogs and a huge pumpkin that I grew, baked, cut up and froze.

[Ferrets are Cool]

42. +1 It's not fun...at least I have my furkids...

for that, I am thankful.

Blessings to all those who are alone.

[George II]

43. Nice sentiment, thanks. But to be honest, after spending my Thanksgiving with my red neck....

...gun thumping in-laws, I would have loved to have spent it alone!

[debsy]

46. I was in a truck alone traveling from Joplin, MO, to St. Clairsville, OH

I'm bringing our truck back to the Northeast from the Southwest and this was my third day of solo travel. Tomorrow, I visit my son and his family (granddaughter included) in NJ and then finally home to my partner in life on Sunday. Happy Thanksgiving Weekend!

[lordsummerisle]

48. My mother passed away last week

I was her primary caregiver and there is no other family around so I spent Thanksgiving alone. It sucked and i hope to never do it again...

[Lars39]

52. I'm so sorry for your loss, lordsummerisle

[Hulk]

49. Thank you.

It was one of the loneliest thanksgivings I’ve ever spent. I’m down in central Mexico, and my kids and their families are all up in the Pacific Northwest. We were invited to a Thanksgiving dinner with some friends of mine, but my wife is not at all social, so I declined the invitation. It was kind of hard to except when I dwelled on it, but then I made the decision to just treat it like any other day, and I did fine.

I have such great memories of Thanksgiving when I was younger and my family was young. My nine siblings would all gather together at my parents house with all of the cousins, our children, and it would be so much fun to talk and visit and laugh together. For several years we did this every Thanksgiving and every Fourth of July. Never once did anyone bring up politics or religion, and the world was a different place then.

My parents died and so did our gatherings. One of my brother-in-law‘s was accused of having molested my younger brother, and that destroyed the family unit. You either sided with my brother-in-law, or you sided with my younger brother... so we had our own Civil War.

Those days are gone, but the sweet memories linger on, and that’s what kept me warm when we were alone yesterday....the memories.

[roamer65]

51. Thanks.

I had a stomach bug and I didn’t wanna give it to my Mom and Dad.

I’ll see them at Xmas anyway.

Hugs to you.