Thanksgiving — a holiday centered around being grateful for the people around you. Back in March, we never imagined we’d be thinking about holiday preparation during a pandemic. But now, COVID-19 has shifted our in-person gatherings, and ultimately, the next few weeks of the holiday season.
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While Thanksgiving is usually a time to gather and reflect with family, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending limiting travel as much as possible this holiday season. But this doesn’t mean Thanksgiving is cancelled! There are plenty of ways to make this year’s holiday feel just as special as years’ past. If you’re keeping Thanksgiving close to home this year, here are our tips for hosting the perfect quaint celebration.
Less is More
We polled Homes.com users and 56.6% said their Thanksgiving dinner is smaller this year than in the past. By keeping your gatherings small, you’re doing your part in stopping the spread of COVID-19. Try not to have any expectations of what the holiday season will bring, and you should be in good shape. If possible, limit your Thanksgiving plans to those who live in your house, or a very small group of friends. Just remember there’s always a silver lining — the less guests, the less cleanup!
Start New Traditions
Nothing about 2020 has been normal, so why should we start now? There couldn’t be a more perfect opportunity to make new memories with your loved ones. While Thanksgiving food normally includes turkey, macaroni and pumpkin pie, this year, there are no rules! Have a pizza night! Create a build-your-own taco bar! Maybe even have dessert for dinner? Whatever it may be, a simple meal switch could be just what your family needs to bring some of the holiday spirit back to your home. Many restaurants are even offering Thanksgiving takeout options for families! Break out the fancy China, pop open the sparkling cider and enjoy a special meal to commemorate a very special year. But if you’re craving some sense of normalcy — we’ve got a great selection of seasonal recipes on the blog.
Or… Maintain Old Traditions
If you’re like my family, you spend every Thanksgiving watching the Macy’s Day Parade. While that tradition alone looks a bit different this year — don’t let this strange year deter you from keeping the holiday spirit alive! Maybe all your family wants is to enjoy a typical Thanksgiving. You can certainly still do this, but keep in mind you may have to make modifications based on COVID regulations and recommendations. If you normally go around and say what you’re grateful for — continue that this year. There are so many things, both big and small, we can all find in 2020 to be thankful for. I promise!
Bring on the Fun
Have a favorite family game, movie or activity you love doing? It’s the perfect post-Thanksgiving meal plan! Gather everyone for a game of “What Do You Meme?,” craft turkeys out of handprints with your kids or turn on A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. And if your the Thanksgiving chef this year, find a way to let the kids into the kitchen. Although running around, cooking, and having kids in the kitchen can sound stressful for an ordinary Thanksgiving, the smaller size of it being just your family opens the door for kids to be actively involved in the process.
Find New Ways to Connect
If you’re wanting to loop in family and friends virtually, we suggest planning ahead. While it’s easy to complain about another virtual event in our lives — it’s so much better than nothing at all! Figure out which platform everyone will use, what time you want to connect and what your itinerary will be. If you’re the one in charge of the virtual portion of the day, make sure everyone’s on the same page.
We’re all having to make sacrifices this year, so please stay as safe as possible and keep your celebration circle small. Remember, this day’s all about being thankful for the special people in your life. This year, we’re extra thankful for each of you — have a happy and safe Thanksgiving from everyone at Homes.com!
