Giving Thanks in the Time of Corona

Months into the pandemic, we still must endure limited contact with our many of our favorite people. The looming prospect of not being able to physically be with these loved ones during Thanksgiving is a sad reality we must face. But don’t write off the holiday just yet; though it’s best to scale back the typical big holiday crowd, we can all still enjoy a happy, safe, and delicious time.

Set a Virtual Date

We can still “see” each other virtually, through platforms such as Zoom, Facetime, or Google Hangouts. Consider the restrictions of different technology options available: Zoom has a 40 minute time limit, and though Google Hangout does not, it caps participants at 25. You can also break thing up by calling various loved ones at different times throughout the day. 4:00 appetizers with your aunt and cousins, a 6:00 date with parents for the turkey, then end the night having apple pie with your best friend.

Take It Outdoors

The CDC’s first tip for a safe Thanksgiving gathering is to “have a small outdoor meal with family and friends.” For those of us who live in the Southeast, spoiled by temperate weather most of the year, this is a real option. A midday meal with a small crowd, alongside a firepit or a space heater, provides all the ingredients for a beautiful holiday.

Ditch Tradition

If you’ve ever wanted to try frying a turkey, this is the year. It keeps the cook outside and requires just a fraction of the cooking time. A 15-pound turkey takes only 45 minutes to cook and just as tasty as the more traditional half-day slog. Or try a roasted turkey breast- it will easily feed a smaller crowd, 4-6 people or so. I’m setting up a Bloody Mary bar this year- our earlier-than-usual meal gives me the perfect excuse to enjoy my favorite breakfast beverage.

Communicate

Another helpful piece of advice from the CDC :take a few minutes to “have conversations with guests ahead of time to set expectations for celebrating together.” Let company know house rules: if you are hosting, don’t be shy about requiring masks, banning indoor access, or asking everyone to bring their own serve ware or drinks. They will appreciate the parameters, and you’ll be more likely to relax and enjoy the meal.

For additional information and advice, see the CDC’s guide on Celebrating Thanksgiving:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays/thanksgiving.html