Your celebration may look different this year, but it can still be exciting. Tis the season for gratitude, giving and turkey, but instead of a packed house you may be only entertaining immediate family, or you may spend the holiday alone.
Here are some ideas on how to spend Thanksgiving day & have it feel festive and special, even while social distancing.
- Start your morning off by sleeping in a bit, having a warm breakfast, or curling up to watch the virtual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, The show will be hosted by Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker on NBC from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. There is still a great line up including Lauren Alaina, Jimmie Allen and Noah Cyrus, Ally Brooke, Sofia Carson, CNCO, Jimmy Fallon and The Roots, Karol G, Tori Kelly, Patti LaBelle, Ella Mai, Miss America 2020 Camille Schrier, the cast and Muppets of Sesame Street, Leslie Odom Jr., Keke Palmer, Dolly Parton, Pentatonix, Bebe Rexha, Jordin Sparks, Sebastián Yatra, and Brett Young.
- If you aren’t busy in the kitchen cooking, enjoy the great outdoors. Take a walk or bike ride to view the pretty leaves and trees. If you have children, get them outdoors for a little while to burn some energy and encourage an afternoon nap. If the weather isn’t cooperating, try indoor arts & crafts. We have plenty of suggestions on our post Fall Things You Can Do With Your Kids.
- Decorate for the season even if you are not having guests this year. Just light a fall candle and make a cup of tea while the turkey is cooking. A cool centerpiece can set the mood or why not pull out your Christmas decorations and play some music while you decorate?
- Mix a fall cocktail, perhaps a nice cider. You can get lots of cocktail ideas on our blog Alcoholic drinks to warm you up or Which holiday drink matches your personality.
- Host a virtual party on ZOOM to get the entire family together. Share recipes, watch a holiday movie together, or even play a game like Bingo or Pictionary. Take a family photo with everyone online.
- Build a pillow fort, pop some popcorn, and watch a cozy fall movie. Build a puzzle. If you’re into sports, there are always Thanksgiving Football Games.
- Send Thanksgiving care packages. Mail or drop off treats and supplies share the season.
- Many families are going without this year. If you can, donate time, money, or meals to a local food bank.
- Write a letter to a soldier. You can learn more at Operation Gratitude on how you can support the military by sending letters or care packages.
Everyone faces adversity. This year perhaps more than ever. Giving thanks is important no matter what time of year it is. But, Thanksgiving provides a special opportunity to celebrate our blessings.
We wish you all a happy and safe Thanksgiving.
