Thanksgiving is right around the corner and we all start to think about things we are thankful for. And boy do we have a lot to be thankful for here in Grand County! The plethora of outdoor activities, the beautiful scenery, and many amazing nonprofits that support our community. But many of us in Grand County are far from loved ones. The peace and serenity of living in the mountains is what we seek out, but it can get lonely around the holidays. Here are 6 ways to still enjoy Thanksgiving without family in town.
If You Can’t Spend Thanksgiving with Loved Ones..
Have a Friendsgiving
Your friends may be in the same situation as you, with family far away. Friends make a great, or sometimes better, substitute for family and allow you to still enjoy turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and a good conversation. Put together a “Friendsgiving” and have everyone bring their favorite dish that reminds them of the holiday. Who knows? Maybe that will become your new tradition!
Give Back to Your Community
There are many organizations that could use a helping hand serving others this holiday. Help the less fortunate enjoy full bellies on Thanksgiving by volunteering for a Grand County nonprofit. Spending your time giving to others will make you feel good when you can’t eat a Thanksgiving meal with your family.
Facetime or Phone Call
Many of us have video chat capabilities on our smart phones or computers, allowing us to still see our loved ones’ faces from hundreds of miles away. If you can’t be with your family, chat with them while they are cooking so it feels like you are part of the kitchen tradition. If you don’t have video chat, hearing your family’s voice with a good old fashioned phone call is bound to warm the heart on Turkey Day.
Make a List of Things You Are Thankful For
If missing loved ones on Thanksgiving has you down, make a list of all of the things in your life you are grateful for. After all, that’s what the holiday is about, giving thanks!
Go Skiing!
We live in a community with award-winning ski resort and have the rare opportunity to go skiing on holidays, when the resorts are usually much less busy. Who needs turkey when you’re flying down wide open runs at Winter Park or Ski Granby Ranch? Hitting the slopes will truly make for a Colorado Thanksgiving.
Colorado Gives Day
Every December, Coloradans come together with the common goal of strengthening the community by helping to power nonprofits. Colorado Gives Day has grown to be the state's largest one-day online giving event, raising more than $217 million since it began in 2010. Celebrate with us by getting in the giving spirit. To donate to one of our amazing Grand County nonprofits on Colorado Gives Day, simply visit coloradogives.org/grandcountygives and select the nonprofit of your choice. Then, choose your donation amount and fill out the short form. Community First Foundation & FirstBank generously provide a $1.5 million Incentive Fund, so every nonprofit receiving your donation on Colorado Gives Day will receive a portion of the fund, increasing the value of every dollar donated. For example, if a nonprofit organization receives 10 percent of the total amount of money raised on Colorado Gives Day, that same nonprofit receives 10 percent of the $1.5 Million Incentive Fund. You can make a huge difference in our community! Donations may be scheduled as early as November 1st. The Grand Foundation is thankful for your support!