Thanksgiving is not only a holiday dedicated to gathering family around the dinner table, but even more so to reflecting and counting our blessings. As we approach the end of an unexpected roller coaster of a year, there is still so much to be thankful for — and we certainly deserve some heartwarming comfort food and time with our loved ones.
Fortunately, keeping ourselves and our communities safe doesn’t have to mean foregoing our favorite Thanksgiving traditions.
This year, serve up a few extra precautions at your Thanksgiving table and be sure to follow all guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Staying home for the holidays
To protect yourself, your family and your community from COVID-19, the safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving this year is at home with your own household. That said, if you or anybody in your household is considered at high risk of facing severe illness should they contract the virus, keeping festivities low-risk is especially important.
Thanksgiving is about appreciating all the good things in our lives and all the people we hold most dear. What better way to say “thank you” than by doing what you can to keep those loved ones safe and sound?
What better way to say “thank you” than by doing what you can to keep those loved ones safe and sound?
If you feel disheartened postponing your travel plans, canceling your annual Friendsgiving celebration or knowing you’ll be unable to hug your loved ones, keep in mind that there are still plenty of creative ways to safely give thanks for those special people and places in your life.
Get festive with low-risk celebrations
Out with the old and in with the new! After all, traditions are meant to evolve throughout the years, right? The upcoming holiday season is the perfect time to ask mom for her recipe cards and put your own twist on some classics, or just stick to what your family knows best.
According to the CDC’s Thanksgiving guidelines, the safest options include activities that take place at home or outdoors with your own household, such as:
- Preparing a small dinner with only those who live in your household — after all, who doesn’t love turkey, mashed potatoes and stuffing?
- Making traditional family recipes for family or neighbors, especially those at higher risk who may be isolated from their own loved ones. When prepared, you can deliver them in a no-contact fashion (like leaving them on the porch) for them to enjoy.
- Planning a virtual dinner. As you eat and enjoy each other’s company (through the screen, of course), take turns sharing recipes or what you’re most thankful for this year! You can even set up different laptops or phones at their seats around the dinner table.
- Avoiding in-person shopping, especially the days after and around Thanksgiving and Black Friday. Hop on your computer instead — you’ll not only avoid the lines but also exposure to the virus. Take advantage of curbside pick-up and other contactless services.
- Watching football games and other sporting events, parades and movies from the comfort of your home.
- Participating in a gratitude activity or craft with your household, or virtually with friends and family.
With creativity, patience and holiday spirit, your family or household can reimagine and safely enjoy this year’s Thanksgiving festivities.
Related: Keeping family traditions alive this holiday season
Avoid moderate and high-risk celebrations
Though staying home is clearly the safest option, the CDC has also shared a few guidelines to follow should you choose to celebrate outside of the house. In addition to wearing a face mask, maintaining social distance and washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, these recommendations can help make higher risk activities a little safer.
- Outdoor activities: As outdoor activities are considered lower risk than those indoor (unless they only include members of your household), opt for activities in open, fresh air whenever possible. As always, keep a distance of 6 feet or more from other groups for maximum safety.
- Travel: No matter the distance you’re going, follow all safety measures during your trip to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. As travel increases the chances of both contracting and spreading the virus, staying home is the safest option. If you must travel, wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth, stay at least 6 feet apart from those not in your household, wash your hands often and avoid touching your face mask, eyes, nose and mouth. For more information, consult the CDC’s travel safety tips.
- If you feel sick: It’s no fun to miss out on spending time with family, but if someone in your household starts showing COVID-19 symptoms, make sure you know what to do.
Related: 20 ideas to spark a daily gratitude habit
Moderate-risk celebrations
The CDC categorizes the following festivities as moderate-risk:
- Hosting a small, outdoor dinner with close family and friends who live in the same community. If you choose to do so, lower everyone’s risk by following these recommendations for safely hosting gatherings or cookouts.
- Visiting apple orchards or pumpkin patches. Be sure the facility enforces hand sanitizer use, wearing masks and physical distancing.
- Attending a small outdoor sporting event with strict safety precautions in place. Looking for safer ways to celebrate gameday this season? Follow these gameday do’s and don’ts.
High-risk celebrations
The CDC strongly recommends everyone avoid the following high-risk activities to play your part in preventing the spread of the virus. As tough as it is, the holiday nostalgia simply isn’t worth the risk.
These high-risk Thanksgiving celebrations include:
- Attending or hosting large indoor gatherings and dinner parties with people from outside of your own household, especially those who have traveled from different areas.
- Participating in, attending or spectating at a crowded Thanksgiving Day parade or race.
- Shopping in crowded stores before, on or after Thanksgiving.
- Using alcohol or drugs, which may inhibit responsible behavior or alter judgement, making it more difficult to follow all guidelines and practice COVID-19 safety measures.
Turkey Day is not canceled — we’re simply re-routing our traditions and celebrations to keep everyone we’re grateful for safe and healthy. Let’s use this time to reflect and give thanks for the good things this year has brought us. And remember, there’s always room for seconds.
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