How to Plan the Perfectly Socially Distanced Thanksgiving Holiday

Unfortunately, the number of cases of COVID-19 is rising. In light of these startling statistics, we are all wondering how to plan the perfectly socially distanced Thanksgiving holiday this year. Here are a few tips for spending time with friends and family while still partaking in Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings without contributing to the spread of COVID-19.

Have a small dinner with just the people who live in your home. You may choose to continue your traditional family favorites or stir things up and NOT serve turkey and all the fixings. For all the cooks, it may be a nice change to simplify the menu, and therefore, spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the members of your household.

Alternatively, you could always consider having a virtual dinner with family and friends. Agree ahead of time on a mutual time to sit down to eat. Each household will need to have some version of a computer/tablet/smartphone in order to see everyone. You may choose to share only the beginning or end of the meal online with each other or to just keep the cameras rolling for the entire meal so as to feel like you are all really together. In a sense, you truly will be…

Why not utilize your outdoor space to host dinner for local family and friends? Try to contain the folks you invite to members of your current bubble. Don’t let your guard down. Wear masks unless you are eating. Try to limit alcohol or choose not to serve any as you may not be a sharp as you normally would be.

Use social media such as Facetime, Skype, or Zoom to communicate with family. If you live in different time zones or can’t coordinate a mutual dining time, set up a meeting to be able to spend some time together and catch up.

For some families, Thanksgiving is the time of year to select their secret Santa partners for gift exchanges. Go ahead and do so! Try to continue as many traditions as you are able with the realization that this is a year like none before. All in all, enjoy your day and give thanks for all the blessings you do have in your life.

Photo: Pixaby