I'm kinda at loose ends for Thanksgiving

[supernova]

I'm wondering what to do for Thanksgiving.

Though I enjoy spending the majority of my time alone, I don't like having to spend holidays alone.

The past several years my sister and I have spent Thanksgiving together. And that has been enjoyable as always. We are close.

This year, she's going to visit some old family friends in western NC.

After I pouted a little ("You're leaving me all alone for Thanksgiving?") She said I was welcome to come along. I wasn't fishing for plans... exactly.

I don't know. I hate spending holidays alone. I would love to say that I had a large group of friends I could invite over and have a meal with.

What to do...

[rug]

1. Go with her.

It's your family friends too.

[supernova]

6. You're right about that

I should go. I was just ambivalent about essentially "inviting myself."

[intrepid_wanderer]

2. Thanksgiving interrupted...

Well.. If you are really close to your sister (sounds like you are), then you should verify that going along with her to western NC is really a cool thing.... If it is, go out on a limb & meet some new people. It should be a little easier to do since you've got a anchor/close friend there - your sis.

:bounce: go do it :bounce:

[supernova]

5. Oh, they're not new friends

Thanks for the good thoughts.

Our mothers were best friends. My sis and the oldest daughter were and still are best friends.

I know all of them really well, but I have not seen them in a long time. They've had a tough year. The oldest daughter, her 20 yo son passed away (car accident) and the patriarch died last month.

They could use the company, I believe.

edit: I know everybody but their kids now. I don't know any of the grandchildren. This might be a good opportunity to know them.

[In_The_Wind]

3. If you are home this Thanksgiving ~ I'll keep you company posting on DU.

[supernova]

4. LOL! I like that turkey, Joan

:D

[WCGreen]

7. Volunteer at a food shelter....

That'll give you the spirit...

[supernova]

9. That's an idea

It'd kinda hard to do around here though. Most people do Meals on Wheels since this is a rural area.

[WCGreen]

12. I did the meals on wheels one day...

Call them... The volunteers would love a day off....

[In_The_Wind]

8. Thank you supernova.

I'll be cooking duck for myself and one of my house mates. Cornish Hen for my other house mate, she doesn't like eating duck.

[supernova]

10. Duck is an excellent choice!

You have great taste Joan.

[In_The_Wind]

14. I make my own raspberry-orange glaze ...

I haven't decided on the accompanying dishes yet>

[riderinthestorm]

11. You could volunteer at a shelter

But those positions are usually filled by the usual "crew" that works it every year (the same church, the same Kiwanis club, the same T-Day gang or their offspring that have been doing it for 20 years etc.).

A few years ago, I tried to volunteer at the last minute and was shut out so if you are thinking of going that route, you may want to explore it now.

What I DID find was the local Salvation Army shelter near me hosts a T-Day dinner for their volunteers AND the shelter residents. When I called and told them I was going to be alone for the holiday, they invited me to come along, bring a dish to share, and afterwards I was responsible for bringing some of the leftovers to the local fire and police stations.

It was great! Wonderful company. Good food. A chance to "do good" after the dinner was done. I stayed and partied at the fire house with one bunch of firemen for a good 45 minutes when I went to drop off their basket of goodies.

There's opportunities out there for a good T-Day get-together but you DO have to search for them.

Good luck.

[supernova]

13. I've found the same..

experinece with volunteering over the holidays. Shelters and kitchens have their regular crews they rely on. Understandable, but it makes it hard to "break into the business," to borrow a phrase.

I liked your story about the Salvation Army and the firefighters, that would be the kind of experience I'd be looking for.

[tigereye]

17. you know

one of the most fun Thanksgivings I had was when we went to a friend's potluck instead of the usual family do. There were a bunch of international students and the different foods and conversation were really fun. You could always have your own party and invite some cool folks who don't have other plans.

[bigwillq]

15. There's no harm in going with her.

This way you can still be with your sister and not be alone!
If I were closer, I would stop by or let you come to my house. No one should be alone on holidays so go with her. I'm sure they won't mind.
:hi: :hug:

[MissMillie]

16. We've got room at my house

You're more than welcome. It's a distance for sure.... but I'm a pretty good cook, and my mom always brings the best pies.