Why Be a Thanksgiving “Orphan”?

“What are you doing for Thanksgiving?” It’s usually an innocent question this time of year, meant to just make conversation. It is bandied about at work, among the parents picking up their kids at school or when talking to friends. “What are you doing?” For those who have places to go, it’s a simple enough question to answer. Whether or not they are looking forward to the yearly stuff-yourself-day with relatives, they know what they are doing and probably just how it’s going to be. (Yearly family events do tend to repeat themselves.) But for those who either can’t or don’t want to be with family, the question can become a regular reminder of disappointment, negative emotions and/or loneliness; of being an “outsider” when it seems like the whole nation is celebrating a glorious and gluttonous feast day with extended family. The term Thanksgiving Orphan that has come into use in the last decades only highlights that Oliver Twist feeling. The noun “orphan” means someone whose parents have both died. It conjures up feelings of sadness and loss. It’s important to remember that there are many good, legitimate, sensible reasons that people can’t live out that Norman Rockwell iconic painting. For some, it’s disappointing but not devastating to have to forego the turkey with family this year. Family is just too far away, it’s too expensive to go, or people can’t get the days off. For others, the day is painful enough without characterizing them as...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Family Friends Happiness Holiday Coping Inspiration & Hope Family Gatherings Friendsgiving Holiday Season home for the holidays Thanksgiving Source Type: blogs