How to Have a Socially Distant Thanksgiving

With Covid changing a lot of things still for people this year, it’s on most to-do lists to learn how to have a socially distant Thanksgiving. We want all of our family members to be safe while still enjoying the holidays with them. This is new territory for everyone, so I’ve done some brainstorming to help you go about tackling this new setup. Here is how to have a socially distant thanksgiving this holiday season.

How to Have a Socially Distant Thanksgiving

Have a Get Together Through Zoom or Video Chat

Have everyone get their meal ready and then have a video call to share the meal together. It’s still wonderful to feel like you’re gathered around a table sharing in the festivities. Even if it can’t be in person, it can still feel that way, making the holiday still feel somewhat whole.

Put Together a Long Distance Online Scavenger Hunt

Have your family gather at the same time online and you can all embark on a fun scavenger hunt. Don’t worry, it doesn’t involve getting off your couch or going around people. Instead, make a list of online things to find instead. This makes for a fun game and family bonding.

Gather for a Movie

No, don’t go about watching a movie with your family in the traditional sense. Instead, you can all time it and watch the same movie at the same time. They might not be there in the room, but it still makes you feel connected to them.

Try a New Thanksgiving Recipe Together

You can either do it over video or just simply send everyone the same recipe. This allows everyone to make it when they can and add their own twists to it. When Thanksgiving rolls around, you can send a photo or video and share how it turned out for everyone.

Still Get Together, but Practice Social Distancing

You can either rent a larger building or meet at the house you’re used to meeting at. However, instead of doing what you normally do, have it spread out so everyone can still talk and enjoy each other’s company without having to stand too close. Gloves and masks may be helpful for this sort of thing as well. For example, you could have a “family table” setup. So that each household has their own table set up a safe distance away from the next table. If need be, everyone can bring their own dinner as well so there’s no exchange of food.

Just Focus on Your Immediate Family

Be sure to wish the rest of your family a happy Thanksgiving, but instead of fussing about how Thanksgiving isn’t the same this year, just enjoy your family. Don’t try to plan anything, make your own meal, and take the extra special time you have this year. It’s not often that holidays can be spent at such a low level of stress. Take advantage of it.

However, you decide to tackle Thanksgiving this year, be sure to do it safely and with lots of love and happiness. Now that you know how to have a socially distant Thanksgiving, or have some ideas, what are your plans this year?