To Those Who Can’t Travel This Thanksgiving
Photo: Pinterest
To those who can’t travel this Thanksgiving,
I’m sorry.
This year has been a whirlwind of emotions, mostly negative ones, and one of the things that brings people together in a time of isolation may not be safe. If you are not able to celebrate Thanksgiving in your usual way, we completely understand and relate to you. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays because I love to gather with my family, give thanks for everything we have, and celebrate with a good overall vibe. Plus, it’s the official start of the holiday season, which is my favorite time of year. So, having a much smaller Thanksgiving celebration may feel like you aren’t really celebrating and giving thanks to the extent which you are used to. But, this is a better year than ever to count your blessings.
While it may seem frustrating and lonely to spend Thanksgiving without certain people that you care for, keep in mind that this is only out of concern for the safety of you and everyone around you. But, this doesn’t mean that it’s not completely valid to feel sad, upset, or frustrated. The first step in coming to terms with the mayhem that is this holiday season is recognizing that, although there are people going through much worse, it’s still okay to let yourself feel upset. But, in order to try to have a positive perspective, keep in mind that spending Thanksgiving without certain loved ones this year might mean that you are able to spend many more Thanksgiving days with them in the future. This year’s sacrifice will hopefully pay off by allowing your family to gather in future years without anyone missing.
If you’re used to traveling elsewhere for Thanksgiving, and this is the first time you're spending the holiday wherever you are now, look at it as an opportunity to create new traditions. Learn to cook the classic Thanksgiving dishes you’re used to eating, invest in some decor like candles and tablecloths for future celebrations, and do things your way. Change can be scary, but it can also allow room for growth. Maybe you will share a new tradition with your family when you are reunited with them next Thanksgiving.
What we hope you take away from this is that this Thanksgiving sucks, but it’s for the best, and, most importantly: you’re not alone. Check out this entire issue of C&W for tips, resources, and lighthearted content. We are thankful for you!