Throw a Thanksgiving Picnic or Backyard Bash
Okay, so if you live in one of the Northern U.S. states, this might be a harder sell, but if the weather is good to us this Thanksgiving, why not celebrate outside? The CDC has said that being outdoors reduces the risk of exposure to COVID-19, and the fall foliage makes a beautiful backdrop to your Thanksgiving celebration.
Move what might have been an evening Thanksgiving dinner to brunch or lunch, and you’ll get more hours of natural light (and more time to celebrate, of course).
If you have a yard or deck space, host a small gathering outside with tables, chairs, blankets, warm drinks (use that slow cooker or Instant Pot!), and maybe even an outdoor heater or fire pit. If you’re having a more massive gathering, instead of one big table, break up seating into smaller parties based on households to make mealtime safer. A local park or particular outdoor spot also makes a great setting!
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Single Servings
Many of our Thanksgiving meals revolve around buffet-style servings that everyone digs into. But more hands-on serving ware means more germs. (PSA: Remember to wash your hands frequently!) Instead, pick a designated person or “head chef” to serve up turkey and sides onto individual plates instead of everyone passing around that green bean casserole.
Have a Taste of Home
Can’t make it home for Thanksgiving? Order a piece of home instead. Many iconic restaurants from across the country ship nationwide, offering you a slice of nostalgia or a taste of your favorite meal, even if you can’t travel this year. Some of our favorites? Junior’s Cheesecake in New York, Collin Street Bakery in Corsicana, and Blue Owl Bakery in Missouri. Dig in!
Set Up Outdoor Entertainment
If watching the game is part of your Thanksgiving tradition, set up a projector outside to screen football or a favorite family movie.
For those looking for other activities, setting up a competition or tournament outside with games like bocce ball, croquet, badminton, or corn hole (personalize your family name!) can be a fun way to get together while social distancing safely.
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Decorate Your House in Festive Flair
If the gathering isn’t happening this year, you can still get festive by decorating your house to the max with gourdous fall accents. There are many ways to bring Thanksgiving to life inside your home, from fall foliage garlands, dried flowers, and colorful maize to knit and plaid home decor.
Order Thanksgiving To Go
Many local restaurants and chains have started offering family-size meals-to-go, and Thanksgiving is no exception! You’ll be supporting your local restaurants and community while saving time and the stress of preparing a traditional turkey meal at home.
Get Creative With Family-Friendly Crafts and Activities
It’s tough being stuck inside, especially with young kids and everyone being under the same roof more often than usual. But there are plenty of ways for the whole family to stay entertained and happy over the holidays. While the adults prepare the meal, keep the kiddos entertained with crafts, like a paper bag turkey, DIY handprint turkey hat, or Thanksgiving wreath. Or create your own Thanksgiving-themed advent calendar with leaves or construction paper where each family member expresses what they’re grateful for leading up to the big day.
Your Friendly Neighborhood Delivery
For families or individuals celebrating Thanksgiving with only those in their households or alone, a great way to show thanks this year is by preparing your favorite recipes for family and neighbors—especially those at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19—and delivering them in a contact-free way. So even if you can’t spend Thanksgiving with the grandparents, they’ll still be able to indulge in your famous pumpkin pie.
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