The holiday season is often portrayed as a time for gathering with family, indulging in traditional meals, and following time-honored rituals. However, not everyone feels compelled or able to spend Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s with family. Whether by choice or circumstance, spending the holidays away from family doesn’t mean missing out on joy, meaning, or celebration. It’s an opportunity to create new traditions that suit your lifestyle and priorities. Here are some fulfilling and creative ways to enjoy the holidays if you don’t go home to family.
1. Volunteer and Give Back
One of the most heartwarming ways to spend the holidays is by volunteering. The season can be difficult for many people, including those experiencing homelessness, isolation, or food insecurity. Organizations like soup kitchens, shelters, and food banks often host events or meals around Thanksgiving and Christmas and always need extra hands.
Volunteering helps those in need and offers a sense of connection and purpose. If you enjoy spending time with animals, consider helping at a local animal shelter, which may need extra assistance during the busy holiday season. You might join a community clean-up effort for New Year’s, starting the year by contributing to a cleaner environment. By giving back, you’ll feel the season’s warmth in a way that transcends traditional celebrations.
2. Host or Attend a Friendsgiving
Friendsgiving—celebrating Thanksgiving with friends instead of family—has become increasingly popular in recent years. It’s a chance to gather with people who feel like family and create your version of the holiday. You can organize a potluck-style meal where everyone brings a favorite dish or try cooking a full holiday spread together. The focus is on community and shared experiences without the pressure of perfecting family traditions.
Friendsgiving can also work for other holidays. Host a Christmas brunch with friends who aren’t traveling or organize a New Year’s Eve game night to ring in the new year in good company. These gatherings are often more relaxed and flexible than traditional family events, allowing you to celebrate in a genuine and enjoyable way.
3. Attend a Concert or Live Music Event
If you’re a fan of electronic music, the holidays can be a perfect time to immerse yourself in the magic of a live show or festival. Many significant cities host electronic music events over Thanksgiving weekend, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve—from intimate underground sets to large-scale festivals featuring some of your favorite DJs.
For Thanksgiving, you might find themed events in local clubs, where you can dance off the turkey and connect with a vibrant community of music lovers. During Christmas, some venues host unique holiday-themed EDM shows with festive visuals and remixes of classic tunes. New Year’s Eve is extraordinary in electronic music, with iconic events like Insomniac’s Countdown NYE in Southern California or Decadence in Denver offering unforgettable lineups and immersive experiences.
Electronic music events are about more than just the music—they celebrate energy, connection, and creativity. Whether you prefer deep house, techno, or festival bangers, these events create a sense of belonging, perfect for those spending the holidays away from family. Dancing the night away to your favorite artists surrounded by like-minded people can turn the season into something extraordinary.
4. Work and Save
For some, the holidays are a chance to earn extra income or pick up shifts when others take time off. Many industries, such as hospitality, retail, and healthcare, remain busy during the holiday season, offering opportunities for those who prefer—or need—to work. Taking on shifts during Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s can help financially and create a sense of productivity during a time that might otherwise feel stagnant.
Some workplaces even foster a festive atmosphere, hosting potlucks or small celebrations for employees working during the holidays. Plus, by working on major holidays, you may have the opportunity to take time off later in the year when travel is less expensive and destinations are less crowded.
5. Get Active
When the holiday season may seem stressful, there’s no better way to burn off steam than by moving your body in positive, healthy habits. Across the country, community-focused events like Turkey Trots and holiday half-marathons offer the perfect opportunity to stay active and find joy amidst the holiday hustle. Training for one of these events helps you maintain balance during a busy season and sets a positive tone for the New Year.
From festive 5Ks to endurance triathlons and high-energy CrossFit competitions, the options are endless for those looking to channel holiday energy into fitness goals. These events are more than just a workout—they’re a chance to connect with like-minded individuals, support local charities, and create a meaningful starting point for those New Year’s resolutions. Why wait for January when you can take the first step toward a healthier, happier you this holiday season?
Featured image from Pexels.com.
