As the pandemic continues to spread, many are wondering how to host Thanksgiving safely.
After all, Thanksgiving is one of the most loved holidays of the year. It’s when we gather with family and friends, count our blessings, and give thanks to God for everything we have.
So how will COVID-19 affect one of our favorite holidays?
Even the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is foregoing its normal in-person activities this year. For the first time in over 90 years, people won’t line the streets to admire the floats and performances. It will all be livestreamed, and some of it will even be pre-recorded.
So is Thanksgiving officially cancelled?
Thankfully, no! Health experts like the CDC say there are still ways you can celebrate and host Thanksgiving safely this year. It just takes a little creativity and flexibility.
Here are some tips to help you plan a safe and fun Thanksgiving celebration.
1. Keep it small.
Try to keep your Thanksgiving gathering as small as possible.
For those of you with huge families, this will probably be the hardest thing about Thanksgiving in 2020. There’s something so cozy about gathering 30 extended family members for a warm and delicious meal followed by a decent slice of pumpkin pie and coffee.
But for this year, health experts recommend keeping your group smaller. The number depends on how big your eating and/or living space is. But a general rule of thumb is to limit the number of guests to however many can sit 6 feet apart from each other.
The state of California is requiring Thanksgiving gatherings not to exceed more than 2 households. Dr. Mark Ghaly, California’s director of Health and Human Services, also recommends minimizing the time spent together and opening windows.
2. Make sure everyone wears masks when not eating.
I know, I know… this one can be tough to follow. I’ll be the first to admit that wearing a mask is uncomfortable, especially if you’re trying to have a conversation with someone.
But experts still recommend that people wear masks to help decrease the spread of COVID-19.
At Team Foote, we take our clients’ health seriously, which is why we always wear masks when interacting with our clients in person. Masks might make conversations more difficult, but keeping people safe is worth it.
That’s the same attitude we can take into our Thanksgiving dinners. If you want to host Thanksgiving safely, encourage all attendees to wear masks except when eating.
3. Host Thanksgiving safely by having everyone get tested before coming.
This is one of the most important tips to follow. Ask any guests to get tested beforehand, and have your household do the same.
If you or anyone in your household has the coronavirus, don’t hold the Thanksgiving dinner in your home. And if any guests test positive, politely ask them to stay home and perhaps join virtually.
Speaking of virtual dinners…
4. Have a virtual Thanksgiving dinner if loved ones can’t come.
You might have a family member or two test positive for COVID-19 beforehand and not be able to come. If that happens, consider hosting a virtual Thanksgiving dinner.
This doesn’t have to be difficult. Simply set up the computer near the dinner table so everyone can see. You can share what kinds of food you’re eating and what blessings you’re grateful for.
You’d be surprised at how much fun virtual dinner parties can be!
5. Try having Thanksgiving dinner outside.
For those in colder climates, this isn’t necessarily a realistic suggestion. But thankfully, in San Diego, we’re blessed with pretty amazing weather nearly all year round.
So far, meteorologists are predicting November 26 to be a sunny day with a comfortable temperature of 66 degrees and only a 10% chance of rain.
If that prediction holds true, you’ll have great conditions for hosting an outside Thanksgiving dinner. If you’re concerned about spreading COVID-19, this is a great option since airflow disperses viral droplets.
Now that you’ve heard our safety tips… what are your plans for Thanksgiving? Tell us in the comments below!