Traditionally, Thanksgiving is a time for family members and friends to travel from near and far to share a feast with their loved ones. But this year, of course, many people are still unable or unwilling to travel or would prefer to avoid social gatherings. As a result, Thanksgiving will look different for many families—but the holiday can still feel festive, and might even be the perfect opportunity to create some new traditions!
If you are planning a smaller or socially distanced Thanksgiving this year, here are a few ideas to keep the festive spirit alive:
- Host a small gathering with a menu of just a few items. If you feel comfortable having a gathering at your home with your “quarantine pod” or other trusted friends, you’ll probably want to scale down your usual Thanksgiving menu. Instead of purchasing a large turkey or ham, consider a smaller main course, such as a roasted chicken. Alternatively, turkey breasts or sliced ham offer a great way to preserve the classic flavors of the holiday without buying more than you need. As you set the rest of your menu, consider limiting it to just two or three of your favorite sides and a dessert.
- Have a picnic. If the weather is comfortable enough in your area, an outdoor picnic could be the perfect option for safely celebrating Thanksgiving (consider setting up heat lamps to keep everyone warm!). Opting for a potluck-style feast is a fun way to keep your picnic casual—while reducing your own cooking and cleanup burden.
- Deliver meals to your loved ones and neighbors. Many people who are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 are still opting to stay safely at home. If you know anyone who will be home for the holiday, consider dropping off a meal to their front door as a way to spread the Thanksgiving cheer—without spreading any risk of illness.
- Order dinner from a local restaurant or grocery store. If there was ever a year to let yourself off the hook for cooking a Thanksgiving dinner, this is it. Many restaurants and grocery stores offer a “Thanksgiving in a box” option that will provide your family with all the classic dishes—and none of the work. This is a great way to enjoy a full, hassle-free Thanksgiving feast while supporting a local business.
- Enjoy a virtual dinner with your friends and family. We have all become well-acquainted with platforms like Zoom and FaceTime over the past several months. If you will be celebrating Thanksgiving alone or with just a few chosen people, planning a video call with your loved ones who are further away is a great way to feel more connected and keep the Thanksgiving spirit alive from a safe distance.
Sources: today.com & delish.com
