Even if you cannot find a place to volunteer that day, you could spend time looking at the food you have in the house and make a box to bring to a local food pantry. If you belong to a church, call the pastor/priest and maybe there are some elders who will otherwise be alone for the holiday that you could either invite over or go visit. Be prepared to listen to stories!

Other ways you could do something good for someone this Thanksgiving - see http://anysoldier.org/indexORIG.cfm and you can send a care package to a soldier who is away from his or her family.

Or spend time and write a letter to each of the relatives that you are missing. You are getting older, and can have a relationship with them independent of their relationships with your parents ...

Maybe this is the year to start a new tradition. How would you spend your ideal Thanksgiving?

I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving this year, but not as much as my sister-in-law who is due to give birth sometime that week!