It seems like just yesterday we were wrapping up summer, making preparations for a new and different school year. Like everything else in 2020 we have had to make adjustments to our norm, due to COVID-19. As we slide into the middle of November, a week or so away from Thanksgiving, we will be asked yet again to make adjustments.
Our usual, large Thanksgiving gatherings could be potential spreaders, and so this year we will need to rethink how we do Thanksgiving. I have had this conversation with my family; you may be have had or are having a similar conversation with your family. Many families are opting to forego the larger gatherings and gather in small groups or not at all.
Even though we may not all be together the way we want to for Thanksgiving this year, there are still ways we can celebrate and make this a memorable Thanksgiving. Here are three ways to pivot your Thanksgiving.
3 Ways To Pivot Your Thanksgiving for 2020
1. Establish New Thanksgiving Traditions
Thanksgiving is all about traditions, but it’s also a great time to establish new traditions. Do you normally put up your Christmas tree and decor on Thanksgiving, but your family will be in town before Thanksgiving? Switch it up and do it before. Create a gratitude newsletter and mail out to your family who would normally be with you on Thanksgiving to let them know what you are grateful for and how grateful you are for them. Use some of the time you spend on social media and head over to Pinterest to find some fun and new traditions to incorporate this year with your family.
2. Virtual Cooking Competition
Running out for last-minute recipe ingredients and whipping up recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation is one of the many fun pastimes of Thanksgiving. Even though you may not be with your family in person this year, you can still do this fun tradition virtually. Choose one or two recipes that the family usually makes together or is served every Thanksgiving. Have everyone shop for ingredients. Pick a date and time that works for everyone. Turn on your digital platform, assemble your ingredients, and have fun making your Thanksgiving faves virtually. If your family is competitive, you could make it a Food Network-style cooking competition with a time limit, or only using certain ingredients and establish a prize at the end for the winner.
3. Safe Thanksgiving Celebration with a Small Group
If you do plan to still get together with your family and friends this year but in a smaller group setting; enjoy but be safe. Establish a plan that everyone can agree to regarding self-quarantine before the big event if possible, masks and temperature checks on the day of, and if anyone has been sick or been in contact with anyone who has been sick, make sure it is understood that they need to stay home. Encourage each family/person to bring their own flatware, glassware, plates, etc., as well as their own meal (no potluck style this year) to reduce the need to share. Eat outdoors if the weather permits, and space out the seating. It may seem like a hassle, but all these precautions will help to make your Thanksgiving Day an enjoyable and safe event for everyone!
I know for many of us Thanksgiving may be the only time we are able to connect with family, especially those who live a long distance away. Make the best of your Thanksgiving gathering in whatever form it may be this year. Be present with your loved ones, and remember to celebrate the true meaning of Thanksgiving: a day to give thanks.
