Thanksgiving part two…….

Continued from Thanksgiving part one…..

My friend Sherri- who has bipolar disorder just called and told me that her sister has decided to come down to Portland instead of staying in Seattle.  Sherri said, “I cooked dinner a few years ago, Julie. I’m not spending days cooking for something that is gone in a few hours. It’s too stressful!” I agree. Sheri just reserved a full Thanksgiving dinner from Whole foods. She said it was so cheap when everyone went in on it. They bought less than they thought they needed and it was plenty of food. These stores have great and inexpensive salad bars as well.

Good idea.

I’d like to say I’m immune to the whole Thanksgiving thing- but I’m not. I have to make sure I have something to do that day or I know I will get depressed and lonely.  It’s my nature. The concept of Thanksgiving has been burned into my American brain.  My dinners were so wonderful as a child- that is what I remember.

Here are some tips if Thanksgiving is important to you:

1. Plan now. Where do you want to be? Start hinting to the people you know that you would be a good addition to the party.

2. Send out an email to friends saying you are looking for a fun dinner. You will get replies.

3. Volunteer for the day. Many people do this and you meet new friends.

4.Crash a party!

5. Go to Target to check out the Black Friday specials. Oh – this just sounds terrible…  but people love it! Buy a TV the next day!

6. Go to the movies with a friend. Pay for one and then sneak into the others…. Just kidding!

7. If you are going to order a dinner from a place such as Whole Foods, do so ahead of time. They do sell out.

Or… you can be like me.

5. Watch football!

If you’re someone who loves Thanksgiving and has a good time, please invite me over this year.  I will even fly to Siberia if you are there on a holiday.

I will bring a house plant as a thank you gift. And if you’re someone like me who doesn’t have firm plans yet, start making them today. It’s hard to be lonely on the holidays when you have bipolar disorder.

There is a place for everyone.

Julie

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