Another holiday has come and gone, as the first “quarantine Halloween” kept many children indoors and deprived of candy. Now, as another traditional and widely popular holiday approaches, questions regarding what this Thanksgiving will look like have begun to foster concerns. This Thanksgiving will be unlike any before, as most previous celebrations of this holiday included travel and large gatherings of friends and family, neither of which experts recommend nowadays. Still, with some creativity and determination, families can make this Thanksgiving a unique experience for everyone.
One way to celebrate Thanksgiving, while also staying safe, would be to consider hosting a remote gathering. Instead of having family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors over for a feast, perhaps this year, only immediate family members should eat together. Don’t want other family members to miss out on the fun? Try setting up a group meeting virtually. “While it’s unusual, the safest Thanksgiving dinner may be remote, with households each having their own celebrations and connecting with each other via technology,” says Dr. Benjamin Singer, a pulmonary and critical care specialist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago.
Hosting an outdoor gathering may be another option to consider this year. Though a socially-distant Thanksgiving might not sound too appealing at first, imagine setting up some tables and chairs, six feet away, of course, making a bonfire with family, playing outdoor games, and maybe even throwing a Frisbee around. These activities can make this Thanksgiving both memorable and fun while allowing people to safely spend time with family and friends.
Pop quiz: what well-known Thanksgiving tradition often tends to be as popular, if not more so, than the meal? Yes, the football game. What better way to spend Thanksgiving than by watching the game at home? After the NFL adopted Thanksgiving as their official holiday, making time to watch football during this holiday became a tradition that will continue even in the midst of so much chaos. Plus, there will be no need for added safety measures or extra precautions when watching a football game. The schedule will be as follows:
12:30 p.m.: Houston Texans vs Detroit Lions, CBS.
4:30 p.m.: Washington Football Team vs Dallas Cowboys, FOX.
8:20 p.m.: Baltimore Ravens vs Pittsburgh Steelers, NBC.
The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly derailed every important event in its path, from the graduation of the class of 2020 to Halloween. However, this holiday feels different — perhaps because Thanksgiving represents comradery, spending time with friends and family, and being grateful. Though in these dark times it may feel impossible to be thankful, one must never underestimate the power of hope and positivity, both of which can contribute to spreading holiday joy. At times like these, an abundance of holiday spirit becomes increasingly important. By being creative and willing to add uniqueness to tradition, this Thanksgiving can be a time to cherish loved ones and spend time reflecting on what matters most.
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