topic Re: Holidays in Community Chat

Holidays

Jordan2 — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 03:21:44 GMT

Here we are a year has passed and we're kicking off the holiday season on Thursday with Thanksgiving. The holidays are a joyous time spent with family and friends for many people, but for some it can be lonely and a reminder of loved ones we have lost. I fall into the latter category, I will be alone for Thanksgiving. I want to wish all a happy day, those that will celebrate with their family and friends. To those like me know I will be thinking of you, I'll be checking in on Thursday and beyond.

Re: Holidays

mspatmac — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 03:38:55 GMT

I'm in the same boat @Jordan2 and will be checking in too. Happy Thanksgiving, see you Thursday

Re: Holidays

sheetsheba — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 03:42:38 GMT

Hello, I am alone also as most of my family has passed or lives far away. I was very depressed a few years ago but have learned to live with it. I have a son who isn't interested in holidays and doesn't have a family so I'm on my own. He's not mean about it just not interested. Wishing you a special Thanksgiving and for those of us alone it's just another day!

Re: Holidays

gizmogal — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 04:10:12 GMT

I thoroughly enjoy Thanksgiving alone. I'll roast a pork loin and some favorite side dish. That's what I want to eat and I don't make it often, so it will make me happy. I'll eat at what time I prefer. The phone doesn't ring because everyone I know will be with someone they know, not calling me. I won't be thinking about what to wear or what to bring my host, or what time to arrive. No traffic to drive through, no reason to make small talk or listen to it.

I just got a new living room TV a couple of days ago. I love it and I'll avidly watch a little of the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade and then the National Dog Show. I'll pick something to stream after that, unless I want to read.

I like living alone and I don't think of holidays as just another day. I'm able to be festive or celebratory on my terms. Food I like, house clothes, TV or reading, a nap after kitchen cleanup.

I'll do it again for Christmas. And New Years Eve. Maybe the same menu! No matter--I'll be relaxed and happy.

Sometimes I find myself wistful on Valentines Day. I had the companionship of a lovely dear man for 40 years. He passed away 3 years ago. I like being alone, but I miss him more on Valentines Day. Alone takes its toll just that one day. It's a holiday expressly for celebrating not being alone. I sigh a few times and then it's the next day. Manageable.

Wishing you all a wonderful, yummy, safe Thanksgiving. If you can't be with the ones you love, love the one you're with--yourself. Don't eat too much...

Re: Holidays

SandySparkles — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 05:34:13 GMT

Awww... @Jordan2 Thank you! Your tender post has me smiling over here! It is so nice of you to think of others.😊 Because of it, I will think of you as well, and hope you are able to enjoy your holiday!!!!❤🥰

Edited for clarification.

~~~All we need is LOVE💖

Re: Holidays

ECBG — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 04:42:29 GMT

@Jordan2

Please enjoy your day. I'm so very sorry you aren't with someone. Perhaps next year, ask a single friend to enjoy dinner out with you.

Re: Holidays

SandySparkles — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 04:54:48 GMT

I got to thinking about our Forum "family" just now and wanted to say how wonderful it is to just be able to come and "hang out" on ANY given day-with 'FAMILY". We may sometimes fight like step-brothers and sisters,😂 but I am truly THANKFUL, and wish each of you a BLESSED Holiday.❤❤🙏🙏

~~~All we need is LOVE💖

Re: Holidays

on the bay — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 05:01:01 GMT

@Jordan2,

You know what I want to say is "I like you. I really like you!"

and have a beautiful Thanksgiving day and year!

Re: Holidays

beach-mom — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 05:02:44 GMT

@SandySparkles wrote:
I got to thinking about our Forum "family" just now and wanted to say how wonderful it is to just be able to come and "hang out" on ANY given day-with 'FAMILY". We may sometimes fight like step-brothers and sisters,😂 but I am truly THANKFUL, and wish each of you a BLESSED Holiday.❤❤🙏🙏

~~~All we need is LOVE💖

@SandySparkles - That is so nice!

We just finished our Thanksgiving for families who need help today. A lot of people were happy to help others by giving turkeys and other food. In this crazy world I marvel at everyone's generosity!

I wish you all an early Happy Thanksgiving too. I'm off tomorrow- time to catch up on sumo wrestling!

Re: Holidays

beach-mom — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 05:18:11 GMT

@Jordan2 - I will be here on Thanksgiving too. The elaborate celebration we used to have at one of DH's sister's home (where he grew up) doesn't happen any longer. In days past we would spend a long weekend there. It was so much fun, with family coming and going all afternoon. We live far away. My family is gone, and DH's sister hasn't wanted to host since his brother-in-law died right before the pandemic started. Everyone kind of scatters.

DS hasn't been home since he started college far from us. He still lives there. BUT we do get him for Christmas, and I'd rather have him then!

DH will be watching football, and we will all take it easy. I plan to sleep in a little! LOL!

I will be thinking of you and hope to see you here!

Re: Holidays

SandySparkles — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 05:18:38 GMT

@beach-mom That is wonderful!!!👍👍I know they were most certainly THANKFUL for that blessing!❤

Enjoy the wrestling!😁

~~~All we need is LOVE💖

Re: Holidays

meallen616 — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 10:03:38 GMT

Re: Holidays

Greeneyedlady21 — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 11:32:05 GMT

I volunteered to work on Thanksgiving,, just to avoid this sort of thing.

Re: Holidays

gidgetgh — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 13:03:58 GMT

Re: Holidays

vermint — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 13:38:11 GMT

After 40+ years of attending Thanksgiving at my in-laws (huge gathering by the end), and then hosting it ourselves after they passed, DH & I are actually enjoying our peaceful holiday, now that the rest of his family has moved away. Don't get me wrong, we loved those big, noisy gatherings and still miss them, but now we cook exactly what we want, eat when we want (early, around noon) and just relax the rest of the day.

We would be more than welcome at my brother's Thanksgiving, and maybe some of these years we'll go there, but right now this is what we enjoy. Of course, I realize that I am not "alone", as some of you are, but it is definitely different now. We will be missing our parents, along with his siblings that have passed or moved away, but it will still be joyful!

I pray for ALL to have a blessed Thanksgiving, however you mark the day!

Re: Holidays

CelticCrafter — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 13:57:10 GMT

@gizmogal wrote:
I thoroughly enjoy Thanksgiving alone. I'll roast a pork loin and some favorite side dish. That's what I want to eat and I don't make it often, so it will make me happy. I'll eat at what time I prefer. The phone doesn't ring because everyone I know will be with someone they know, not calling me. I won't be thinking about what to wear or what to bring my host, or what time to arrive. No traffic to drive through, no reason to make small talk or listen to it.

I just got a new living room TV a couple of days ago. I love it and I'll avidly watch a little of the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade and then the National Dog Show. I'll pick something to stream after that, unless I want to read.

I like living alone and I don't think of holidays as just another day. I'm able to be festive or celebratory on my terms. Food I like, house clothes, TV or reading, a nap after kitchen cleanup.

I'll do it again for Christmas. And New Years Eve. Maybe the same menu! No matter--I'll be relaxed and happy.

Sometimes I find myself wistful on Valentines Day. I had the companionship of a lovely dear man for 40 years. He passed away 3 years ago. I like being alone, but I miss him more on Valentines Day. Alone takes its toll just that one day. It's a holiday expressly for celebrating not being alone. I sigh a few times and then it's the next day. Manageable.

Wishing you all a wonderful, yummy, safe Thanksgiving. If you can't be with the ones you love, love the one you're with--yourself. Don't eat too much...

@gizmogal one of the best things I've read in a long time.

Re: Holidays

beckyb1012 — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 14:21:14 GMT

I do love this time of year but for me the holiday season starts on October 31st and does not end until the wings and chips are cleaned up from the Super Bowl.

So ready to leave the office at noon today. Happy Thanksgiving to all and Here Comes Santa!!

Re: Holidays

Greeneyedlady21 — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 14:23:47 GMT

Another thing to remember is that it is much better to be alone than to be around the wrong people/toxic people. That includes family, that hurts even worse.

You can be and feel completely alone in a crowded room.

Re: Holidays

LindaSal — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 14:34:30 GMT

@gizmogal Happy Thanksgiving! I applaud you for making the best of your situation and still being able to find happiness. It's so uplifting and refreshing rather than some who just seem to want to sadden others because of their own circumstances. While I feel for everyone, especially this time of year, I do think it's healthy to have the right attitude! Kudo's to you

Re: Holidays

Greeneyedlady21 — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 14:44:56 GMT

@LindaSal wrote:
@gizmogal Happy Thanksgiving! I applaud you for making the best of your situation and still being able to find happiness. It's so uplifting and refreshing rather than some who just seem to want to sadden others because of their own circumstances. While I feel for everyone, especially this time of year, I do think it's healthy to have the right attitude! Kudo's to you

You are jumping to quite a conclusion that some here want to "sadden others". Some people just want and need to vent. If that bothers you to such an extent maybe don't read it, or at least don't make such a judgemental comment. How can anything said here "sadden" you about your holidays? You do you.

You have no idea what some people are going through and still every day make the best of it, and that includes me. Frankly it's not your place to decide what the "right attitude" is.