2020 has been an isolating and stressful year for all of us. With the holidays coming up, many families were looking forward to that time to reconnect with loved ones; however, based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control, the safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving this year is by being at home with the people you live with. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the holiday while also keeping your friends, families, and communities healthy and safe.
Here are 5 COVID-friendly Thanksgiving activities will help you plan a turkey day to remember.
1. Host Thanksgiving Virtually
Just because we can’t all be in the same room doesn’t mean we can’t all be together in one way or another.
“Set a seat” for your loved ones with a computer monitor or iPad and have them join the party via Zoom or Facetime. If you usually host a potluck-style dinner, collect recipes from family members ahead of time and make a family cookbook to mark the occasion! If shared in advance, multiple families could make smaller batches of each item and enjoy them “together” — virtually.
2. Tune into the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
No need to fret — you can still enjoy the timeless tradition of watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade from the safety of your own home this year! The iconic giant balloons, spectacular floats, and Santa Claus himself will still be a part of the big day, but as a television-only special presentation.
The parade coverage on NBC begins at 9:00 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning (Thursday, November 26, 2020) and runs through noon in every time zone. Learn more about the 2020 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
3. Get Crafty
From Turkey Popcorn Treat Bags, Thankfulness Jars, and everything in between, there are tons of crafts out there that the kids can enjoy making on their own or virtually via Zoom or Facetime. See 5 Ways to Make Thanksgiving Fun for Kids.
4. Watch a Thanksgiving-Inspired Movie
Spend some quality family time on the couch in your favorite pajamas watching a Thanksgiving Day classic movie. Cater to the kids with A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving or Chicken Run. For the adults, put on What’s Cooking? or Home for the Holidays. See the full list from Esquire.
5. Make a “Grab-N-Go” Thanksgiving Dinner
If you or a family member are insistent on making Thanksgiving dinner for everyone, but still want to limit time spent inside together, consider putting together a “Grab-N-Go”-style dinner. The host can email out a menu and ask for “orders”. Then, simply box up everyone’s order and have it ready for pickup.
Tip: Amazon has tons of options for takeout containers if you don’t want to give out all your Tupperware. Here’s one option.
Just be sure to make everyone two plates (because… seconds).
No matter how you celebrate the holidays, just remember that only you get to decide what works best for your family. We’re here to support you through all that life brings your way, and hope that you share all of your fun, socially-distanced Thanksgiving stories with us!
