Virtual dinners, contests, celebrations in July, and care packages all count this year.
We shouldn’t be getting together for Thanksgiving. Over the past couple of weeks, the US has added over 100,000 new cases of the coronavirus to its list of totals each day. Thinking back, last May when the virus seemed to be surging so much there were only about 20,000 new daily cases of COVID-19 in the country. Hospitals are now being overwhelmed, total deaths are about to reach 250,000 and the bad news is that things are about to get worse.
According to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington, over 2,000 people will be dying from COVID-19 in the US by the start of January 2021 if we keep going as we are. It is also predicted that over 470,000 people will have died from the virus by March.
All of this doom may seem unavoidable. It isn’t, however. The best thing you can do this season is stay apart.
Here are 5 alternatives to gathering together for Thanksgiving 2020.
Zoom Dinner
Thank goodness for technology! Hosting a virtual dinner is one of the best alternatives out there when it comes to seeing each other on Thanksgiving and staying safe. Zoom is just one option. There are a whole bunch of video conferencing platforms to choose from. You’ll want to consider some things in advance, of course. Talk with all your dinner attendees and pick a time. Plan your cooking accordingly, and get ready for the fun. Just because you are meeting virtually doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go all out. Cook your regular Thanksgiving fare, or order in your favourite meal. Dress as you would for a regular Thanksgiving. Figure out in advance where the device you will use to communicate throughout the call will sit safely as you eat, and dig in!
Decorating Contest
Why not jazz things up? You can’t give each other a hug, but if you are Zooming your Thanksgiving you can still show the love. Plan a contest for best room decorations and go all out. Pick a prize for the winner.
Best-Looking Pie Contest
So, you can’t do a best tasting pie competition, but how about the best-dressed dessert? Have a competition to see who can make the most appetizing-looking pie. Share your results over your virtual dinner or through your photos and vote online.
Thanksgiving in Summer of 2021 (Like Christmas in July)
The end of the pandemic is surely on our horizons. Skip the annual get-together this fall and change things up by arranging to meet next summer for the same event. This can be a fun way to postpone your Thanksgiving plans without actually canceling them.
Phone Conversations and Care Packages
Is there someone you always like to include in your festivities who can’t cook up a great meal for themselves? Take them Thanksgiving care packages of food and leave them on the doorstep, calling to let them know the yummy delights are awaiting on their stoop. Catch up over the phone and share your well wishes in a more personal way than you might have been able to in a large group setting.
Enjoy your Thanksgiving and stay apart. Next year will be different and remember, this is all temporary.
photo credits: ShineTerra/Shutterstock.com
