Unique Ways to Celebrate Thanksgiving

During the holiday season, it’s natural to delve into your usual arrangements. You’ve got the meal planned and the guest list in order. You’re ready to make some special Thanksgiving memories and set the tone for the season. Making merry is a joy when you’re surrounded by the people you love the most.

But there are so many ways to celebrate the holiday that may fly under the radar simply because the usual traditions rank ahead of them. What if you could make Thanksgiving even more special and meaningful by expanding your view and incorporating some new traditions into the fold?

These ideas take into account the needs of everyone special in your world — including those you may not typically consider including in your holiday festivities. Usually, this is because they don’t live nearby, but that doesn’t mean you can’t give thanks for their presence in your life in a meaningful and poignant way. Here are a few alternative ways to make this Thanksgiving the most memorable one yet.

Provide a Meal for Someone Special

It feels good to do something for those in need at any time of the year. But during this season of giving, there’s the capacity to take that extra step — to provide for someone who could benefit from your warmth, kindness, and generosity. Maybe there’s someone in need in your inner circle who’s not close enough to come to dinner, but you would like to help this Thanksgiving. Why not have a holiday meal delivered to their home? Make it a step more meaningful by connecting with them the day of, either on video or by phone.

Do you have a loved one who resides in an assisted living facility? If it’s safe for you to visit, plan a fun-filled day with them. Bring along activities they can enjoy, whether it’s playing cards or greeting cards to write to loved ones together. Decorate their room, then sit down together for a meal. You might share the food the facility provides, or you might choose to bring along some of their home-cooked favorites for a touch of heartwarming nostalgia.

Plan an Alternative Thanksgiving Meal

It’s not every day you attend a Thanksgiving dinner with a twist. Why not change things up from the typical turkey and sides menu and put a fresh, more modern spin on the festivities? If you’re okay skipping the turkey this time around, try different meat in its place. Beef tenderloin and sautéed duck make suitably filling substitutes. If you prefer seafood, try a holiday-themed salmon dish topped with cranberries, shallots, and lemon juice.

Of course, you might also prefer to plan a vegetarian feast instead. Make things special with meatless options galore. Try different types of lasagna, double-roasted squash, an array of vibrant salads, clever takes on traditional side dishes, and a variety of rich and flavorful desserts that extend way beyond the usual pies. Start planning your menu early so you can play around with recipes and create something that’s sure to wow everyone at the table.

Send Flower Arrangements to Loved Ones

It’s an unfortunate fact that you probably can’t be there with everyone that you love on Thanksgiving. But that doesn’t mean you can’t bring a smile to their faces on this special day. Sending a flower arrangement is a thoughtful way to show that you’re thinking about them and wishing them well. Think bright colors and rich tones, all of which resonate nicely during these dimmer months of the year.

The Multicolor Rose Garden calls to mind images of spring yet is firmly entrenched in the cooler months thanks to its array of deep crimsons and soft peaches that tap into some of the season’s most beautiful shades. The Untamed arrangement captures an almost ethereal, fascinating beauty with its creative medley of wildflowers. Jewel tones amid tufts of green lend the bouquet its seasonal appeal, making it the perfect choice for brightening up their holiday.

Give Your Home a Little Boost

Bring some eye-catching style to your home with a few unexpected Thanksgiving decorations that take your home to the next level for the season. While some accents tend to fall under the spectrum of kitschy fashion, others are more refined, chic, and sophisticated. Take your cue from the warm tones that define the season to invite a few touches of the great outdoors inside.

Place some delicate succulents throughout your home to introduce some fresh greenery to the space. They’re low maintenance, so you won’t have to think about them throughout the season. Add a few reed diffusers to different areas to evoke a sense of warmth and give some exquisite fragrance to the home. Try an extravagant centerpiece, like Violette, to bring new life to any table.

Make the Most of Alone Time

If you’re spending Thanksgiving alone, you might be uncertain about what to do. Don’t think twice about making this day as special as it can be. Enjoy the day in your most comfortable pajamas or loungewear. Plan to catch up on your favorite show or make a queue of movies you absolutely must watch and spend the weekend enjoying every minute of them. Go for a walk and enjoy the fresh air. If you’re separated from family due to distance, share your meal with them over video. They’ll love having you there, even if it’s from afar.

Why not think about the coming month, too? This is a good time to break out the holiday cards and get them out of the way before December even arrives. You’ll feel like you’ve taken something off your lengthy to-do list, but you won’t feel like you’re working or doing anything too time-consuming. If you want to make it a holiday to remember, do some digging and see whether any local hotels offer Thanksgiving meals or specials. Enjoy a staycation at a nearby spot and treat yourself to a little luxury. Order room service and revel in the luxury of relaxing without having to clean up the mess when you’re done.

Options abound when it comes to celebrating Thanksgiving in different ways. From doing something good for others to planning a different sort of menu to treating yourself to the TLC you deserve, this day is all about giving. When you’re focused on the joy and spirit of the holiday, you’ll quickly find a variety of ways to celebrate in style, comfort, and coziness.