During my early years in AA (it's now 30 years clean and sober) we would have an open house for those in the program to join us who had nowhere to go. The only requirement was to be sober. Some years we had up to 30 people sit and have a meal with us.
Usually during the holiday season, people become so involved with shopping, not just gifts but preparing for food gatherings, that they forget there is a world out there. Especially now with the way the economy is, there are alot of people without families or places to go.
There's usually a community soup kitchen puting on a dinner for the homeless shelter, so whenever I moved around, I always volunteered so I wouldn't be alone, plus it kept me grateful. There but for the Grace of God, go I. And in this economy anything can happen to anyone these days. (I'm in property mgt so I see it first hand).
I always had a small family, so as it dwindled down, me and my mother would have a nice meal together and watch a movie. My son usually went to his father's house.
Unfortunately, my mom died a few years ago, so I don't need a holiday to miss her and feel the loss of her presence. Sometimes, a daughter only wants to talk or be with her mother, a husband or others just won't do.
Now, because of my husband and my very stressful business, we love spending time alone, reading, relaxing, and having some quality time together. We may go to family for a quick meal or dessert just so we don't have to feel overwhelmed with too much energy swirling about.
Happy Thanksgiving to all !