Thanksgiving Ideas for Anyone

By Mark McNease

It’s that time again, when people who still travel for Thanksgiving are preparing to head out next week, and those of us who don’t are either having a meal with friends, family, solo in a restaurant, or not at all. Although Thanksgiving is probably the most benign holiday we have–you can’t really call it Satanic, and it’s not specific to a particular deity, there are still people for whom any holiday at all is overkill. We respect the holiday haters among us, so read on if you’re not one of them and you’d like to consider Thanksgiving from a few different angles. (Note: a Canadian friend told me they celebrate Thanksgiving on the second Monday of October and don’t make such a big deal out of it.)

Thanksgiving Your Way: Hosting, Hugging, or Just Hanging Out

Thanksgiving is one of those holidays that sneaks up on you. One minute you’re packing away the last of the Halloween candy (okay, eating it), and the next minute every grocery store in America is fighting for its life in the turkey aisle. But here’s the thing: Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be a Norman Rockwell painting. It doesn’t have to look like a sitcom family gathering around a perfectly roasted bird no mortal could ever achieve.

Thanksgiving can be whatever you want it to be—big, small, loud, quiet, or delightfully effortless.

If You’re Hosting the Whole Parade…

First of all: bless you. Hosting Thanksgiving is like being a cruise director with stuffing. You’re managing food, feelings, and at least one person who insists they don’t eat carbs anymore.

A few ways to keep it fun—and sane:

Prep like a pro: Chop veggies, bake pies, and set the table the night before so you aren’t basting a turkey while simultaneously trying to find your festive napkins.
Assign dishes: You don’t get an award for making everything yourself. Let your cousin bring the green bean casserole. Let your neighbor bring rolls. Let someone—anyone—bring wine.
Create a moment: A gratitude jar, a toast, a quick round of “What made you smile this year?” It doesn’t need to be sappy—just a little anchor in all the chaos.
Embrace imperfections: Turkey too dry? Gravy too thick? Pie still jiggling in the middle? Who cares? Your guests came for you, not your culinary precision. (And also the wine.)

If You’re Celebrating Solo—By Choice or By Chance

Here’s a secret no one tells you: a solo Thanksgiving is deliciously peaceful. No one’s arguing about politics. No one is trying to “help” in the kitchen. No one is commenting on your life choices. It’s basically a spa day with carbs.

Whether you’re spending the holiday on your own for the first time or you’ve made it an annual tradition, consider treating yourself:

Make your favorite dish, even if it’s not “Thanksgiving-y.” Lasagna? Go for it. Sushi? Absolutely. Pancakes for dinner? A classic.
Or skip the cooking entirely. Grab something decadent from a local market, order a Thanksgiving dinner for one, or microwave a frozen turkey dinner with zero shame.
Set the vibe: candles, soft music, your coziest socks, your favorite show lined up. This is your holiday; curate it like a mood board.
Do something just for you: a long walk, a bubble bath, a new book, a movie marathon. Make the whole day a celebration of your own company.

If You’d Rather Let a Restaurant Take the Wheel

More and more people are choosing the “no dishes, no stress, no fighting over oven space” route. And honestly? Genius.

A restaurant Thanksgiving is perfect for solo diners, couples, friend groups, or families who just want to show up and enjoy:

Make a reservation early—restaurants book up like Beyoncé tickets.
Choose your vibe: classic turkey dinner, elegant tasting menu, diner comfort food, trendy brunch—there’s a version of Thanksgiving out there waiting for you.
Dress up or don’t. You can show up looking magazine-ready or straight from your couch. Restaurants have seen it all.
Take a post-dinner stroll: neighborhoods are quieter, the air smells like pie, and it’s the perfect moment to walk off the mashed potatoes.

However You Celebrate… Celebrate

Thanksgiving isn’t about doing what everyone else is doing; it’s about doing what feels right for you.

Gather the people you love. Or savor the peace of being by yourself. Cook an extravagant meal. Or let someone else do the heavy lifting. Go traditional. Go unconventional. Go wherever the stuffing takes you.

At the end of the day, Thanksgiving is simply about taking a breath and finding a moment—big or small—to be grateful.

Even if it’s just for the pie.