What do you do when you’re alone for Thanksgiving?

Find Family to Spend Time with

Thanksgiving is a great time to spend with family. Many of us are luckily to have family close enough to spend the holiday with. Some celebrate with the traditional turkey dinner and pumpkin pie. Others keep it more low key.

My family usually celebrates with around 30 family members. Luckily, most of us live in the same state. We usually have the adult tables and then a separate table for the kids with some activities to color or a small game to play.

*If you’re looking for a fun DIY treat to give to friends or family, here’s an idea for you: Turkey Table Toppers Or check out this Free downloadable Thanksgiving Activity Book.

Join Friends

If you’re single and don’t have family around, it can be lonely for some. You can choose to have a small Thanksgiving with your kids or you can decide to find other plans to fill your day. There are usually many families who would love to take you in. If you know someone well enough ask if you can join them for Thanksgiving. Or create your own group to get together for Thanksgiving. This not only makes the day less lonely, but also makes it easier if each person brings a dish.

Eat Out

If you choose to go to a restaurant, there are always the usual places open like Denny’s and Dee’s and several Asian restaurants.  Or if your budget permits, there are a few more upscale restaurants open on Thanksgiving.

Things to do

There are usually several marathons and other events around the valley. Just search for local “turkey trots” in your area. Check singles groups online for local events or even local Meetups. Or just relax and spend the day doing all of your favorite things without expectations.

You can also check out these Thanksgiving day activities in the Salt Lake area:

Salt Lake Thanksgiving Resources

If you really need help and don’t have anywhere to go and need a hot meal, there are places set up to help you. Here are a few that I have verified:

Crossroads Urban Center: Free Thanksgiving turkeys will be given out (first come, first serve) at the Urban Indian Center located at 120 W. 1300 South. Identification required for each household member. See flyer for specific information. 

The Genesis Project Community Dinner: The Genesis Project is hosting a Thanksgiving dinner at 3525 Riverdale Road, Ogden, UT 84405. Everyone welcome- until dinner service is full capacity (approx 400). No documentation needed. They will pick-up/drop-off at Lantern House, Rescue Mission, Ogden Library, Marshall White Center, and Various low-income neighborhoods (leading up to the event). You can show up at the building or be at any of the pick-up locations between 4:30-6:00. Nor reservations/RSVP’s. Dinner, dessert, live music, FREE event.

Still need help?

If you still need assistance, you may want to contact 211 Information and Referral (Utah).  You can also find information about volunteering to help others if you are able.  If you know of anything that might help others who may need it, feel free to share in the comments below.