Enjoy a Very Different Thanksgiving This Year!

We have heard plenty about how much we’ve all sacrificed, how stressed we all are and how it may just be more important than ever to be socially distancing. But what about Thanksgiving? It’s traditionally a time to gather! What Anthony Fauci calls the pandemic, “The Grinch that Stole Thanksgiving,” rings true, but we can do quite a bit to make this Thanksgiving the best possible holiday given the circumstances.

There’s no doubt that gatherings will be smaller this year, as they should be according to public health officials. But we will still gather, whether it’s with our close friends or even just our immediate household. Other than the standard social distancing, hand washing, and mask wearing options we are all familiar with, here’s a list of some other precautions you can take to make your gathering safer for everyone.

• Open your windows, yes even if it’s chilly out. It’s worth it for a few hours!
• Turn on exhaust fans such as bathroom and over the stove to pull out air. (** Don’t use a regular fan! All that does is move the air around and can increase risk)

• If weather permits, throw a Thanksgiving picnic outside (and do as much as possible outside). Currently, long term weather forecasts say the temps will be in the mid 40s and partly sunny on Thanksgiving day! Maybe try a brunch or lunch when it will be warmer outside instead of a dinner. Many of us have a fire pit and some might even have outdoor heaters.

How about a few suggestions to make your small gathering of family and friends fun for everyone?

• Have a virtual dinner and share recipes with family and friends.
• Watch sports events, parades (yes the Macy’s Day Parade is still on this year with no spectators, but it will be televised!) from home.

• Go for a family walk
• Go on an outdoor scavenger hunt
• Mix a fall cocktail!

Start some new Thanksgiving traditions

• Write down what you are thankful for and share
• Collect canned goods for the local food shelf
• Keep a gratitude jar (start on Thanksgiving day and make Thanksgiving a 365 day affair)
• Organize an ornament exchange (Christmas is right around the corner!)
• Set a place at the table for the computer (for your virtual party)
• Virtually donate to the local food bank
• If you are not at high risk, sign up for meals on wheels and deliver food to those who can’t get out to shop or don’t cook
• Volunteer to shop for someone who may need help getting groceries safely this season

• Indulge in pie for breakfast (a personal favorite of ours!)