My First Thanksgiving on My Own

This year looked different for me. For the first time in my adult life, I spent Thanksgiving on my own. No big family table. No partner’s family gathering. No plans that required travel, timing, or reshuffling my life to fit anyone else’s rhythm but my own.

And I’ll be honest — it felt lonely at moments. I missed the familiar noise, the laughter from the other room, and even the chaotic “who’s bringing what” texts. It was a new kind of quiet, and I wasn’t fully sure what to do with it at first.

But here’s the surprising part:
The quiet wasn’t all bad.

In fact, it taught me something I didn’t realize I needed.

I made myself coffee slowly. I took my time getting ready. I cooked exactly what I wanted (and yes, it included pie for breakfast). I watched movies, I journaled a little, and I let myself feel everything without rushing or hiding it.

There was loneliness — but there was also peace. There was space. There was a tiny flicker of pride that whispered, “You’re doing this. You’re really rebuilding.”

I’m learning that starting over isn’t just about the big, brave moments. Sometimes it’s about the small, quiet ones too — the ones where you choose to care for yourself, even when the day feels heavy.

Next year might look completely different. I might host a Friendsgiving, travel somewhere new, or spend it around a table filled with people I haven’t even met yet. But this year? This first solo Thanksgiving held its own kind of magic.

It reminded me that I’m still here, still growing, still finding my way through this new chapter… and that being alone for a season doesn’t mean I’ll be lonely forever.

Before you go:
If you’ve ever spent a holiday on your own, what helped you make the day feel special or meaningful? I’d love to hear your ideas and experiences.

Until the next chapter—may your coffee be strong and your heart stay open, and you always lead with kindness
— Jen