The COVID-19 pandemic may well be around, but if you have the last Thursday of November in your mind, it certainly shows that there is still something to be thankful for even in these challenging days. And there should be…
Just because the planning and setup of Thanksgiving have to be a little different this year, it doesn’t mean you have to miss out on celebrating with your family and friends while sharing stories and memories and enjoying a richly-stuffed turkey dinner with green beans casserole and pumpkin pie. No, it doesn’t mean that at all. How about organizing a very special Thanksgiving celebration this year out of the four walls, or at least out of the box?
Basics to consider for virtual celebration
You might opt for celebrating on a virtual platform but in a very real way out of safety concerns considering low-risk activities as described by the CDC. Send out a personalized invite to all those you would like to share this day with welcoming them to an extraordinary online Thanksgiving party. Never lose sight of the fact that there is much to be grateful for having all these virtual options available at all.
Create the ambiance
Getting ready might involve discussing with the other households what appetizers, dishes, and drinks everyone would prepare so that all can share the “same” goodies. This way, not only can everyone sit down at the table together but everybody can raise their cocktail glasses and take a bite of the turkey with the yams all at once. You can place the computer so that it creates an atmosphere of all people sitting close at one another’s side. Put on some Thanksgiving-themed decorations in a way that it’s visible to all participants and let the feast begin.
Revive traditions in an innovative way
You may enjoy playing board games or card games with your friends and family, watching sports on TV, or perhaps reminiscing about your childhood and teenage years. Even a pandemic can’t take that away from you. Why not check out some online party games that can accommodate many people and promise tremendous fun? Watching sports events on TV is also a possibility with a shared screen so everyone can follow the same thing. Alternatively, with some preplanning, the night can turn out to be the most memorable Thanksgiving you’ve had so far where everyone is preparing a slide show of their early memories and stories that they want to share.
Basics to consider for outdoors celebration
With the necessary precaution, you are free to plan for an outdoor Thanksgiving celebration and dinner. Just imagine all guests showing up wearing the latest and coolest face masks setting the mood right away. Communicate to your guests all that you have planned for, including a potential rain-day, in your invitation so that everyone arrives ready and set to enjoy themselves. Diverging from a traditional Thanksgiving dinner to better cater to the outdoorsy nature of the party is absolutely fine.
Must-haves for a perfect Thanksgiving outside
In case your patio or backyard is not yet equipped with one, you may want to opt for a propane water heater and propane tank, which will come in handy in having a fully-functioning outdoor kitchen. And if you need propane gas, make sure to order from a reliable propane supplier. Depending on the climate you have, you may want to also have an outdoor heater or cozy blankets ready if necessary. Decorating the surroundings comes next and thinking through the best way to serve food respecting social distancing rules. This includes having, ideally, separate tables per household instead of one big one around which everyone is cramming. Also, portioning the dishes in advance will make things smoother and more straightforward. If you want to add an extra touch of convenience and delight for your guests, you can also hire a coffee truck to provide fresh brews and specialty drinks.
Fun activities without compromising your health
Having washed your hands after food and wearing your mask again are in no way hindering the realization of a memorable Thanksgiving gathering remembered for years to come. Socializing with your furry friends is pleasant for all species involved, not to mention that it allows the kids too to freely run around. Little ones may as well enjoy having a craft table set up or a mini playground if that’s an option. As for adults, a few rounds of charades may just be the solution for a fun-filled evening out.
The presence of a pandemic is tragic enough. The only option is not to let it totally wipe out the idea from your mind that you still deserve to celebrate Thanksgiving 2020 in tradition. Allow the current situation to bring out your creative side and let your imagination take the lead.
