Sometimes plans don’t always work out the way you hoped, and you end up spending Thanksgiving Day alone.
As all my siblings get older and start building families with their own traditions, it’s hard to find a time when we can all get together for a family dinner.
Which leaves me alone this year on Thanksgiving night.
But not to worry I have a plan!
I’ve decided I will be cooking my own Thanksgiving dinner for ONE!
What’s on the menu?
- Rotisserie chicken $3.69
- Stove Top chicken stuffing $1.25
- Chicken stock $1.69
- Velveeta shells n cheese (my fav) $1.98
- Yellow squash $0.83
- Red roasted potatoes $0.66
- Fresh corn on the cob $0.75
- Green beans $0.98
- Southern sweet tea (can’t live in the south without it!) $0.99
- Chocolate chip cookies $2.99
T o t a l $15.81
Pro’s to dining solo
- Your choice of menu, traditional – or not
Chickens come in much smaller sizes, are less expensive and are easier for me to cook, than turkeys. As you can see, I bought squash which isn’t a normal Thanksgiving menu item either.
- Smaller portion sizes
Thanksgiving is all about huge portions and tons of food, but if you are only cooking for yourself (or for two) it’s much easier to only buy the food you absolutely need.
- No time limit
If you want to get up in the morning and start cooking you can, or if you want to sleep in a little later (like me) and have a meal in the evening, that’s okay too.
- No cleaning required
After every big family dinner there are mounds and mounds of dishes, but when your the only guest at the table, you can choose to eat on paper plates, or even out of the pan (gasp!).
Put a positive spin on things
Nothing is better than eating a satisfying meal, curling up on the couch with some milk, cookies and a nice book, or an e-reader if that’s your thing.
When you’re around family members there’s normally lots of talking, and sometimes arguing. At least with this option there’s peace and quiet.
Sometimes life gives you lemons and you gotta make lemonade (or add-vodka!) but either way, dining alone shouldn’t be sad or depressing.
Make the best of the situation and cook yourself a fabulously delicious, and inexpensive meal.
How are you spending your Thanksgiving dinner this year?
Photo Credit: khrawlings
I'm an ex-small business accountant who's on a mission to help thought leaders and solopreneurs implement systems and strategies to create more money in less time.
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