This year’s Thanksgiving celebration here in the US is going to look different due to COVID-19 and depending on where you live there may be stricter restrictions than other areas. I look at it as an opportunity to shift my perspective on what is important and maybe even try something new this holiday season.

We all want our loved ones around to help us celebrate big holidays like Thanksgiving. Understandably, we may want the traditional celebrations to carry on. However, let’s step back a moment to think about what we can do to celebrate this Thanksgiving holiday safely for ourselves and our loved ones.

Gathering Virtually

I am grateful that most of us have access to technology that enables us to meet on-line. We have learned how to connect virtually this year more than ever before. Technology has given us a gift to see our loved ones faces, hear their voices, and stay connected.

For Thanksgiving, there are plenty of ways for you, your family, and friends to gather to celebrate the holiday virtually. It’s not the technology that is the challenge. The challenge is thinking outside of the box of what that might look like. Here are some thoughts of what this Thanksgiving could look like for you and your loved ones:

Cooking Together

You may have traditional dishes that you cook each year at your gatherings. This is a good opportunity to teach other family members how to cook the dish and still keep this tradition alive to enjoy those family recipes. Here’s where you could use a video call to make that happen.

The Meal

Let’s eat together but use technology to enjoy great conversation and enjoy good food! Set up your laptop at the dinner table and share a meal together!

Let’s Play Some Games

Before or after the Thanksgiving feast is a great time to play games and relax with friends and family. Here are some resources:

Watch Party

Maybe you want to relax and watch a movie. There are “Watch Parties” on a variety of platforms. Learn more with this article from Wired.

Other Ideas

Some other thoughts around celebrating this holiday season:

  • Making dishes to share with family and friends then dropping them off at their doorstep.
  • Sending cards or gifts to your loved ones.
  • Take time to share what you are grateful for.
  • Getting outside to enjoy the fresh air and the outdoors.
  • Go on a scavenger hunt.
  • Have fun making with arts and crafts.

Gratitude this Thanksgiving Holiday

Remember this is an opportunity to be thankful for the things in our lives even if we can’t gather in-person. Everyone has been through a lot this year and gratitude shares the love and gives us hope.

Happy Thanksgiving from our home to yours!