Thanksgiving, really the holidays in general, are going to look different this year–– and they should. The pandemic that rocked our worlds in late February is still raging, and worse than ever before. The curve we tried to flatten is higher now than it was in April, and as we approach the holiday season, those celebrating should remain vigilant. Just because we shouldn’t do everything we normally would, doesn’t mean a reprieve from Zoom university won’t be enjoyable! Here are a few tips for how to enjoy your Thanksgiving break while staying safe at home.
- Eat with your family virtually
-
You can still enjoy Thanksgiving dinner with your family! For now, though, the safest way to do so is virtually. “But we won’t really be eating together! We won’t even have the same meal!”, is a common complaint during COVID times, but it doesn’t have to be that way. If you live close to your family and friends, organize a socially-distant, masked, meal exchange. If you live far away, organize a meal together in a Google document, and cook the same food so you can eat together over the computer. A quick tip about Zooming with your family: sometimes seeing faces on tiny computer screens is exhausting, so try mirroring your screen to your TV! That way, even though your family isn’t literally in front of you, they’re more life-size than the tiny box on your screen.
- Send care baskets
-
If someone you know is spending the holidays alone, or even if they’re not, take advantage of the world of online ordering, and put together a care basket. Small businesses and bakeries are struggling because of the pandemic, so ordering a few pumpkin pies from a local shop is not only a great way to show someone you’re thinking about them during these tumultuous times, but also a means by which you can support local businesses.
- Watch Christmas Movies
-
This is controversial, but as soon as Halloween is over I’m jamming out to Christmas music 24/7. “Silver Bells”, anyone? Because of our current state-of-affairs, many streaming platforms have already started releasing new Christmas movies. I recently watched Operation Christmas Drop, a Netflix original, and it was a movie that belongs in the Hallmark Channel “Countdown to Christmas” streaming marathon (which I also highly recommend). Disney+ just released a “Home Alone” collection, with all three movies available to watch instantly, and classics such as Elf, Christmas with the Kranks, A Christmas Story, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas, are available now on several platforms. This season spent inside is the perfect opportunity to get in a cozy sweater, turn on the fireplace, make a steaming mug of hot chocolate and watch countless movies… and no one can fault you for it!
- Tune in to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
-
Did you think the pandemic is putting a stop to the Thanksgiving Day Parade? Well, it kind of is in regards to spectators, but everyone can tune in to the show from home on November, 26 from 9 AM-12 PM EST. While there aren’t going to be balloons and floats marching through Manhattan (in a bid to avoid large gatherings), there will be a plethora of musical performances, including performances from Hamilton, Mean Girls, Jagged Little Pill, and of course, The Radio City Music Hall Rockettes!