Well, here we are—Thanksgiving is this weekend and COVID-19 numbers are again on the rise.
While many of us were hopeful that we might be able to celebrate Thanksgiving with our extended families, officials and medical experts have emphasized that large gatherings with family members from all over are not a good idea this year.
“As everyone knows, it’s been a challenging week, and virtual dinners—although less appealing—rather than an in-person gathering can make a difference in reducing the spread of COVID,” Health Minister Patty Hajdu said.
Canada’s top public health officer, Dr Theresa Tam, made a similar statement and suggested that any in-person, indoor gatherings be kept small and all outdoor activities should follow physical distancing guidelines.
So with all that said, how can you have a safe Thanksgiving this year that incorporates your family and traditions?
Take it online
Whether you host a Zoom party or simply FaceTime with family members, virtual Thanksgiving gatherings are your safest bet this year. We’re all well versed by this point in the pandemic with how to make virtual get-togethers fun—think about planning a small craft that cousins can do together or prep your turkeys in unison.
Decorate!
Just because the whole family isn’t coming over this year doesn’t mean you need to skip the decorations. Plan a gorgeous tablescape—collect leaves outside, add in a few gourds and pinecones, and you’ve got a stunning Thanksgiving table that your kids can help with. If you are looking for other fun Thanksgiving crafts, we’ve got 11 simple Thanksgiving crafts your kids can make.
Have a big dinner—if that’s your thing
If every year you have turkey and all the fixings, plan to do the same thing this year! We’ve got 10 great Thanksgiving recipes that kids will love.
And if you are worried about leftovers, you can choose to order in a Thanksgiving feast perfectly sized for you family or get ready with some amazing leftover Thanksgiving recipes.
Start—or continue—a family tradition
This is a great time to remember everything we do have to be thankful for. If you already have a tradition to celebrate giving thanks, don’t skip it this year. If you don’t already have a great family tradition that you use to give thanks every year, we’ve got you covered with these 9 meaningful Thanksgiving traditions for kids.
