Thanksgiving is next Thursday, November 26th. It’s so important to give thanks- especially this year. Even if your celebration looks different this year, please spend time reflecting in appreciation. Call a friend to let them know you’re thinking of them, write a letter to a relative telling them what they mean to your family, or share what you love most about them with your significant other.
It’s definitely disappointing that the holidays might not be celebrated in the same way as last year. But, 2020 could be a great opportunity to start some new traditions.
Ideas for a Non Traditional Thanksgiving Celebration
- Have Thanksgiving dinner on a smaller scale if you’re dining with less people. Turkey meatballs, mashed potatoes or stuffing baked into mini muffin tins, or bacon wrapped green beans instead of casserole.
- Make brunch instead of a traditional turkey dinner. Cranberry scones, turkey bacon, hashbrown casserole, pumpkin muffins, etc.
- Consider having a theme Thanksgiving with your immediate family- a Luau, Barbecue, Masquerade, Fiesta, or PJ Party. Make food that coordinates with your theme and have fun!
- Enjoy tailgating outside while watching football games with your immediate family. Make turkey wings, fried mashed potatoes, stuffing balls, pumpkin pie cookies, and more.
- Keep it simple and order takeout from your favorite local restaurant or create a charcuterie board and fruit/veggie trays for snacking.
If traditions are the most important part of your holiday, that’s okay too. There are ways to celebrate with others in a safe, socially distanced manner.
- Consider a virtual event. Zoom, Facebook Rooms, Skype, and Facetime all allow for quality video chatting. Everyone can be included by sharing recipes, favorite traditions, and what they are thankful for this year.
- Try and host your thanksgiving event outdoors if weather allows. If not, have windows open for extra ventilation. Space tables and chairs 6 feet apart when you can.
- It is best to try and keep Thanksgiving guest to your immediate household members. If you do invite others outside of your household over. Make sure those on your guest list are taking Covid precautions similar to yours and are not presenting a Covid-19 exposure risk.
- Have everything in individualized portions or designate one person as the server to minimize cross contamination of utensils. Use disposable tableware.
- Be sure to clean and sanitize before and after dinner.
- Encourage guests to wear masks and maintain 6 feet of space when possible.
We encourage you to give thanks this year for your blessings. And if you’re doing Black Friday shopping next weekend, remember Small Business Saturday November 28th and Giving Tuesday is December 1st. There are so many small businesses and organizations that could use your support this year. We hope you and yours have a Happy Thanksgiving, and that you find some new ways to celebrate the holiday and start new traditions!
