How to Make the Best of Your 2020 Thanksgiving

There are so many emotions regarding life as we know it this year, especially during this holiday season. Compared to past years, the holidays are most likely going to look very different for many of us, due to COVID -19 related safety concerns. Here are some of the ways you can make the best of your 2020 Thanksgiving.

HOW LIFE IS DIFFERENT FOR ME THIS THANKSGIVING

I have hosted both family and friends at my home on Thanksgiving for many, many years. And for the last two years, I have had such a great time spending Friendsgiving with the many friends I have in our community. I always look forward to the amazing food, the music, the conversation and of course, sharing what we are most grateful for with one another.

It will just be me, my husband and of course our pups Jax and Lucy for Thanksgiving this year. Washington State’s new restrictions prohibit indoor gatherings that are outside one’s household.

While our holiday traditions are put on hold for now, we remain grateful for one another, and will try some new recipes, and look forward to the BEST THANKSGIVING celebration in 2021!!!

IDEAS FOR CELEBRATING THANKSGIVING THIS YEAR

Here are some ideas that you can incorporate into your Thanksgiving this year.

1. An Opportunity to Think Outside the Box

Have you been wanting to try a new recipe, or have a non-traditional Thanksgiving meal? This is a great opportunity to throw away everything you know about a traditional turkey dinner, and try something different. Even though it’s less than a week away until Thanksgiving, I am still trying to make up my mind about what new recipe I might try.

By not having a huge guest list, you are given the freedom to try something different, without the stress of a bunch of people ready to taste test and critique everything you’ve made!

2. Dine Together Virtually

A lot of families and friends have already been spending time virtually. I’ve been invited to several virtual cocktail parties, and even a wreath making event. And guess what! It’s all been so much fun.

And you can even go a step further. If you can’t be in the kitchen together this year, you can try to re-create that feeling by virtually preparing the same meal together. And then when the meal is ready, you can all experience it over a video chat.

3. Goodie Baskets to Your Loved Ones

Show of hands…who has been stress baking lately? Give up some of those calories and surprise your family and friends with a goodie basket with some of your best baked goods and treats.

4. Scale Back the Menu

You don’t have to give up the thought of a traditional Thanksgiving meal if you don’t want to. Just scale it down if you are having a smaller gathering around the table this year. You may want to think about cornish game hens instead of a big turkey. Make fewer side dishes by skipping the mashed potatoes or the stuffing. You can also cut the recipes you’re making in half.

I’m planning on making a pumpkin pie, but have decided to make the sacrifice to eat more leftovers, starting with “pie for breakfast” the next morning.

5. Donate to Those in Need

Many people are experiencing financial hardships or have lost loved ones because of COVID-19. This year would be a great time to volunteer your time and/or money.

6. Remember to be Thankful

Here are just a few things that I am grateful for. As tough as things are currently, they are still not as bad as they could be.

1 – Good health: Health is something that is on most of our minds these days. I am so thankful to be able to get up every morning and live my life to the fullest.

2 – Learn from my mistakes: I can’t even imagine where I would be without making mistakes throughout my life. And some of them were doozies! I am so grateful for those mistakes. Ok, MOST of those mistakes, not all of them.

3 – Having a home where I can escape: Especially now, when we seem to be at home a lot these days, I am so blessed to have a sanctuary where I can get away from it all. My house and garden provide the security and peace that I need in order to keep it together ( on most days).

4 – Laughter: I can’t think of a better way to make things more bearable than to find something to laugh at. My husband makes me laugh all the time, and it really does make me feel better .

5 – Music: I don’t know about you, but music takes me away from the rest of the world when I need it most. I have always been able to hear a song, and automatically remember where I was and what I was doing while this song was playing during a time that was significant in my life.

Now, of course there are so many other things to be grateful for, I can’t list them all. But you get the idea.

Gratitude Journal

Do you have a gratitude journal? I have one next to my bed and write in it most morning when I wake up. It sets me up to succeed for the day. The glass tends to be a lot more “full” when I am mindful of all the blessings I have been given.

I would love to hear how you are going to be celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday, and what you are grateful for in your life. I am wishing you the very best that this season has to offer, and with a little bit of creativity, I’m sure you will come up with ideas on how to make the best of your 2020 Thanksgiving.