I was at work today and a couple of people asked me, 'what will I be doing for Thanksgiving'? I just really hate the holidays because of that. I'm going to spend it by myself it looks like and that's about it. I hate having to answer that. Also, if I ask them back, they would tell me that they have all kinds of exciting things lined up. If I told them that I will spend it by myself, they would say, "aw too bad".

Thanksgiving by myself is not so bad. Christmas is really hard. I hope that the weather will be nice for Thanksgiving. One report says that it will rain. Another says that it will be just partly cloudy. If it's fairly nice outside, at least I can go bike riding or go on a hike. If there's any consolation a friend of mine told me that I can come over for desert and tea with his family. Perhaps I will take him up on that.

[Rohag]

Originally Posted by will19

...if I ask them back, they would tell me that they have all kinds of exciting things lined up.

That may be the main point of their asking. They're far more interested in talking about their own plans than hearing yours.

Increasingly it's possible to say "I'm going shopping" on Thanksgiving.

Originally Posted by will19

...a friend of mine told me that I can come over for desert and tea with his family. Perhaps I will take him up on that.

Excellent! And it will be all the better if you can add a hike or ride to that earlier in the day.

[archipelago]

I will also be spending both holidays alone, but it is partly by choice. I don't like these holidays and over time have been able to just get out of things that have to do with them. It does feel lonely at times, knowing that people are gathering and having a good time, but I have found other times when I celebrate. And also I usually treat myself to something during the holidays so I don't feel ripped off. So for Thanksgiving I'm treating myself to crab which is my favorite and in season now.

[lostfeeling25]

It increasingly drives me crazy when my co-workers ask me about my holiday plans. I know they are just trying to make conversation. But they know in the last few years I have lost my mother and my aunt, and things are different for me. My mother and my aunt used to make a big deal out of holidays. I miss the fuss and would just as soon skip them now. They make me even more depressed and I'd really just like to spend them alone.

[Clara22]

Please, go to have that dessert to your friend's house
WoW, I read your post (and the others') and I cannot help: I get angry at society, the way we are living our lives, the loneliness we are push to, the lack of solidarity… Now my country of origin is becoming like other parts of the world, I mean, before even coworkers or neighbors would invite you, nobody should be alone, unless they want to. Now, people do not open the doors of their houses anymore.
I know we suffer from depression, the chemical unbalance in our brains, our childhood traumas, and so on.. but
there are external conditions that do not help, this is a period in history when people live isolated there are not safety nets or embrace, this is wrong, too wrong!

[Martek]

Originally Posted by Clara22

Please, go to have that dessert to your friend's house
WoW, I read your post (and the others') and I cannot help: I get angry at society, the way we are living our lives, the loneliness we are push to, the lack of solidarity… Now my country of origin is becoming like other parts of the world, I mean, before even coworkers or neighbors would invite you, nobody should be alone, unless they want to. Now, people do not open the doors of their houses anymore.
I know we suffer from depression, the chemical unbalance in our brains, our childhood traumas, and so on.. but
there are external conditions that do not help, this is a period in history when people live isolated there are not safety nets or embrace, this is wrong, too wrong!

I wish we lived in a society like that where we were there for each other more.

[healingme4me]

Originally Posted by will19

I was at work today and a couple of people asked me, 'what will I be doing for Thanksgiving'? I just really hate the holidays because of that. I'm going to spend it by myself it looks like and that's about it. I hate having to answer that. Also, if I ask them back, they would tell me that they have all kinds of exciting things lined up. If I told them that I will spend it by myself, they would say, "aw too bad".

Thanksgiving by myself is not so bad. Christmas is really hard. I hope that the weather will be nice for Thanksgiving. One report says that it will rain. Another says that it will be just partly cloudy. If it's fairly nice outside, at least I can go bike riding or go on a hike. If there's any consolation a friend of mine told me that I can come over for desert and tea with his family. Perhaps I will take him up on that.

That's why I prefer the expression, when asked, 'any plans?' It's easier, to say, staying close to home. And the question, posed like that, gives the understanding that not everyone makes a big deal out of this day. The answer, itself, doesn't imply alone, per se, but just some people have more of a quiet day, than others. And it's a way, of not having to disclose, whether you are actually alone or not. Lest, you've got some prying, nosey busy body.

or, if you want to share.