As flu season approaches and the risk for coronavirus continues to rise in most states, families are wondering how to celebrate the holidays this season. According to the CDC ”Thanksgiving is a time when many families travel long distances to celebrate together. Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others.” Making Thanksgiving feel special will require creativity and even more advanced planning this year. Here are some ideas to spark inspiration to help you plan a memorable lower risk celebration.
Take it outside
If weather allows, host your family thanksgiving outdoors. With social distancing, outdoor events are safer than social interactions indoors. Forgo the typical holiday meal and consider roasting hot dogs and marshmallows on a fire pit and enjoy the fresh air.
Host a cooking challenge
If you decide to stay home and would like an alternative to the big traditional Thanksgiving dinner, try Kansas City mom Kara Thomas’s idea, and host a cooking challenge at home. Have each family member prepare a meal (or part of a meal) and vote on a winner. Take the photos to social media to see who gets the most votes.
Downsize
One of the best parts of the Thanksgiving holiday is spending time with extended family. This year, try downsizing and limit the amount of people you have over for dinner. For the lowest risk, do not have anyone outside of your household. If you do decide to host others, keep it to a few people and have them quarantine prior to attending. Ask others to stay home if they have any flu-like symptoms, fever, or are not feeling well.
Travel safely (if at all)
Thanksgiving has historically been the biggest travel week of the year. This year, avoid travel as much as possible. If you must, use best known practices to keep your family safe. Consider driving instead of flying. Stay in a hotel rather than at a family member’s home. Wear a mask when visiting with family. Wash hands frequently and quarantine before returning to work or school.
Get creative with dinner
It’s hard to miss out on the yearly tradition of gathering with family over dinner. Consider delivering a no contact meal to friends or family who are alone on Thanksgiving and then hosting a virtual dinner so you can socialize while you eat.
Shop differently
Black Friday, the biggest shopping day of the year, will look different this year. Instead of heading out to the stores for your holiday shopping, order online and ask for no contact pickup. When shopping for your Thanksgiving meal groceries, try to do so at non-peak hours or shop online for grocery delivery or pickup.
As you plan your holiday celebrations please take into consideration the guidelines set by the CDC and your local government. Wear a mask, wash your hands, stay home if you are sick, and be extra careful if you are in the high risk category. The safest option is to stay home, but if you would like to gather with the lowest risk possible, consider these ideas or get creative and come up with your own way to celebrate this Thanksgiving.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html#thanksgiving
