3 WAYS TO HAVE A COVID-SAFE THANKSGIVING

Posted by Kayla Kenney | Nov 26, 2020 | Lifestyle 

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Before you eat yourself into a food coma, consider these three Covid-safe ways to spend the holiday.

The coronavirus pandemic has taken 2020 by storm. It turned the world upside down with everyone attempting to live the “new normal.” This lifestyle includes wearing face masks and social distancing. Because of these health-code guidelines, holiday gatherings with the family are not suggested this year. Thanksgiving is just around the corner, so here are three ways to have a Covid-safe holiday without gathering in person.

SPEND THANKSGIVING DINING WITH AT HOME WITH HOUSEMATES

The most practical way to spend Thanksgiving is at home with those you live with, whether it’s family, roommates, or furry friends. Have the kids help make special family dishes. Cook a small meal with your significant other or roommate. You can even prepare a fancy feast for your pets.

Be sure to make all your traditional dishes and then some. Sharing them with the people you’re closest to can be comforting during these trying times. You can also create some new traditions you wouldn’t have otherwise done.

Staying home with the people you live with is one of the moot Covid-safe ways to spend Thanksgiving. You won’t be spreading anything to anyone or catching anything from anyone you don’t see every day. It’s a very low-risk way to spend the holiday, and you won’t have as much stress to deal with, whether it be hosting a huge gathering or fretting about the disease.

SPEND THANKSGIVING DINING VIRTUALLY

It’s definitely not an ideal situation, but you can spend Thanksgiving dining virtually with your family. The pandemic has forced everyone, young and old, to learn more about modern technology. We have Zoom, Google Meet, WhatsApp, and plenty of other ways to connect through video.

With a video call or virtual dinner, you can see and talk to your family and friends without the risk of an in-person gathering. Less germs will spread. There’s also no chance of spreading the virus and catching it.

Don’t dismiss the idea of a virtual dinner because you think it won’t be as fun. You can play virtual games together and share recipes. I know someone who has been doing virtual dinners all throughout the pandemic. She found a way to have fun with it. Each meal, one participant cooks something while teaching the others. Then they all dig in and compare outcomes.

SPEND THANKSGIVING VISITING A FALL FARM 

Instead of having a Thanksgiving feast, you might opt for outdoor activities. Visiting a fall farm with a pumpkin patch or apple orchard is fun for the whole family. The activity can get anyone into the Thanksgiving spirit.

Most fall farms are sticking to the safety guidelines pretty well. They ensure everyone wears their masks, maintains physical distancing, and frequently uses hand sanitizer. The moderate risk lies in being around numerous people. However, being outdoors makes the activity less risky.

While it’s moderately risky, taking in the experience and enjoying that it’s possible during the pandemic might make it all the more special.

This year, when gatherings might not be possible or advisable, we can still enjoy the benefits of holidays like Thanksgiving. We can take time to reflect on the value of gratitude and the meaning of our lives.

Krystine Batcho, PhD, professor of psychology at Le Moyne College in New York

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When it comes to the holidays this year, large gatherings aren’t the best idea. However, there are many Covid-safe ways to partake in the holidays. It all starts with Thanksgiving. These are just a few ideas. How do you plan to spend your Thanksgiving?