“Save Me, Scene!”: Sad and stuck in St. Louis

| Staff Writer

Anna Dorsey | Staff Illustrator

Dear Scene,

All my college friends are going home, and my high school friends are busy planning reunions without me. Meanwhile, I will be stuck on the South 40, surrounded by empty hallways, and relegated to the Bistro Grille in BD for most of the week. Is there even a point in trying to enjoy my break? 

– Not-So-Thankful 

Dear Not-So-Thankful, 

First off, it can be a heavy experience to acknowledge that many of your friends and classmates are enjoying spending time with family and friends over Thanksgiving break while you remain on campus. And it’s okay to feel disappointed or even lonely — you’re not alone in that. 

However, I’m here to tell you not to lose hope. St. Louis offers plenty of ways to still make this break feel meaningful, restorative, and dare I say, even fun. Whether you’re looking to lean into holiday traditions or completely ignore them, there’s something for everyone — and staying in the Lou for the holidays is a great way to explore the city.  

If you want to lean into the Thanksgiving spirit, see themed floats, dance groups, and marching bands from all over St. Louis during the annual Thanks-for-Giving parade on Nov. 28. If you’re looking to stay active, St. Louis offers both a 5K and an 8K Turkey Trot race on Thanksgiving Day. 

Embrace the holiday season during the break with the Nov. 23 kickoff for Winterfest in Kiener Plaza. During Winterfest, ice skate under the Arch, make s’mores, or enjoy the Missouri Festival of Lights. You can skate for free on Nov. 23 or for $15 until Dec. 31.

After a day on the ice, explore light-up displays at Garden Glow and Wild Lights at the botanical gardens and the St. Louis Zoo. If you’re a music lover, don’t miss Jeremy Davenport’s annual Thanksgiving show at Jazz St. Louis on Nov. 29 and 30. For sports fans, head to Enterprise Center to catch the St. Louis Blues play the Philadelphia Flyers on Nov. 30. 

The holiday season is also a great time to give back to the community. Volunteer at the Missouri Festival of Lights or the Thanks-for-Giving Parade with the St. Louis Area Food Bank, or spend some time making food donation boxes with Loaves and Fishes for St. Louis, a food pantry and emergency homeless shelter. 

Ultimately, the break is what you make of it. It might feel strange having so much time away from the usual academic hustle, but this week — wherever you are — is a chance to rest, explore, and maybe even start your own Thanksgiving traditions.  

Your stuffing-enthusiast support system,

Scene

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