Big and Cozy Is Out for Thanksgiving—but You Can Still Make It Memorable
With coronavirus changing much about how we live, it’s time to get creative, and maybe even start some new traditions. Photo by Rawf8/iStock
Big and Cozy Is Out for Thanksgiving—but You Can Still Make It Memorable
Tips for the holiday: asking questions of guests, moving outdoors, and Zooming with family and friends
Not to sound like too much of a Debbie Downer, but this year’s Thanksgiving could not come at a more dangerous time. COVID-19 cases are on the rise in all 50 states, and Massachusetts is experiencing a “sustained and troubling rise,” Governor Charlie Baker said in a press conference last week. So this year, the Thanksgiving tradition of a large family or group of friends gathering maskless in a warm, cozy house is the perfect recipe for a COVID disaster.
With public health officials asking people to forgo the large gatherings this year, it’s time to get creative. Maybe even start some new traditions. You can still celebrate the holiday, just in different ways. As you plan your Thanksgiving dinner, here are some important tips to help you enjoy the day safely.
Tips for the dinner:
1.
Limit the guest list
We know that the fewer the people gathering, the better—and the number of households invited also matters. To give you an idea, California has banned private gatherings of more than three households, and Colorado has gone even further by banning more than two households and more than 10 people.
2.
It’s not only fair, but smart to ask questions about your dinner mates’ health before deciding to join them at the table
Did they quarantine before the holiday? Have they recently been tested? Have they received a flu shot yet? How much socializing have they been doing? Remember, this is about your health, and theirs.
3.
Mask up
If you’re not eating or drinking, wear a mask.
4.
Stay outside if possible
It’s the Northeast, so it’s going to be cold, but it is best to have dinner outside rather than in an enclosed space since houses are insulated to keep warm air in and aren’t well ventilated, thus making it more dangerous for several families to gather. Give everyone a blanket. Tell them to bring gloves. Firepits and space heaters all help.
5.
If you must be indoors, open the windows
Yes, you lose the coziness. But what you lose in comfort you gain in safety. Open windows and have each household sit at their own table or space.
6.
Keep your distance
Thanksgiving is all about congregating in the kitchen. Don’t do it. Set some guidelines for everyone. Stay six feet away from people who don’t live in your household.
7.
Wash your hands
Also, keep hand sanitizer scattered in different spots for easy use.
8.
It can’t hurt to BYO food, drinks, and utensils
Germs can transfer when sharing serving utensils and pitchers. Err on the side of caution and bring your own.
9.
Cook your favorites, nix everything else
Cooking your first Thanksgiving dinner? Incorporate your favorite family dishes, but also feel free to forgo the stuff you don’t like (for me, I won’t miss the canned cranberry sauce). It’s already a weird Thanksgiving, so no one will notice.
Does all of this sound like too much work? Keep it simple:
10.
Forgo making dinner and hit up a BU dining hall instead
BU dining halls will serve a traditional Thanksgiving feast on Thursday, as well as substantial food throughout the weekend. Then you don’t have to worry about the spacing of tables, cleaning, burning the turkey, and other hassles.
11.
Host a virtual Thanksgiving celebration with family and friends
Zoom is lifting the 40-minute time limit on free meetings on Thanksgiving Day, so schedule a virtual family game night or watch the same football game.
Comments & Discussion
Boston University moderates comments to facilitate an informed, substantive, civil conversation. Abusive, profane, self-promotional, misleading, incoherent or off-topic comments will be rejected. Moderators are staffed during regular business hours (EST) and can only accept comments written in English. Statistics or facts must include a citation or a link to the citation.