How to Spend the Holidays Solo and Enjoy It

If family and friends are busy or far away during the holidays, don't despair. There are many ways to celebrate by yourself, postponing the get-togethers until later. By being creative and giving yourself a few diversions, you don't have to be lonely or bored. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Thanksgiving

Either cook yourself a meal, or buy one somewhere and take it home. A great place to get the whole Thanksgiving meal without any fuss is Boston Market, who offers entire meals even through the drive thru. If you enjoy cooking then go all out, and do it all; the turkey, stuffed with dressing, homemade mashed potatoes, gravy, a can of cranberry sauce and of course, pumpkin pie for dessert. If you don't feel like doing it all from scratch, you can cheat and go get a baked chicken at most Deli sections of your local grocery store, get the pie from the bakery and get yourself a big box of potato flakes, and make yourself a big batch of instant mashed potatoes. Once you've had a filling dinner, or during preparation, call your family far away and talk to them as if they were there with you. My parents live across the country, and we talk turkey and chat while we cook to lessen the pain of being so far away from eachother. By going ahead and giving yourself a nice meal, watching the traditional parade on television and talking to those you care about even for a moment, the holiday will be brighter any way you look at it. Leave the family squabbles out on this day, since it's a time to be thankful for what we have, and having loved ones is something to be appreciative of.

Christmas or Hanukkah