It’s almost Thanksgiving which begs the question in 2020, how is your family going to celebrate? Our large family cannot even imagine not getting together, but we’re cautious as my mom is 89 years old. We typically celebrate with all five of my siblings and their children, plus any number of friends. This year we know this will not happen. At least not in the same way. So, as the party planner for this event, I’ve been brainstorming ways for Thanksgiving to happen in a covid world. 

Here are my ideas for our Thanksgiving celebration. Some of what I’m going to implement might help you as you make your plans. 

1. We are blessed to live in Louisiana where the weather will allow for this, so we’re planning an outdoor feast. Currently that week is showing 65 degrees, so we’ll see what happens. If it gets cold, I’ll go to plan B. See the details listed later. 
2. I am going to set up enough tables to accommodate each family unit or each group of family who feels comfortable with each other. Tables will be spread out at least six feet apart, but since we’re all outside, we’ll be able to see and hear each other with no problem.
3. The tables will be preset with plates, forks, napkins, etc. This is ensure only one person touches each place setting. 
4. We are going to serve buffet as that is easier, but each family go through the line as a family and then I will change out the serving utensils for the next family to use. 
5. Food will be served outside and spaced far enough apart that a crowd doesn’t have to gather. Serving line will go down only one side of the table so no one faces another person. (Yes, this does go against everything I stand for—lol—it’s not very efficient, but we’re in strange times.)
6. While we usually serve large jugs of tea and lemonade, this year the drinks will be individual servings placed on a table for easy grabbing by one person. 
7. While we hate it and it goes against everything in our southern roots, we have gotten used to no hugging or talking within six feet of each other. This can be done at a holiday as well, but you have to be very conscience of it. Family members should plan to wear a mask until it’s time to eat, if they plan to be closer than six feet. 
8. Plan B—if the weather is cold, rainy, windy or snowy (lol), we’ll move the party indoors with tables set up in different rooms of the house or spaced out like a restaurant in our family room, living room and kitchen. I’m still working on plan B, but I know it can be done. Restaurants are doing it so we can follow their guidelines. The same rules will apply to serving the food and drinks. 

The key here, folks, is distancing. The CDC says exposure occurs when a person is within six feet of another person for longer than 15 minutes. So, make sure your guests can be farther than six feet apart and you’re good to go. As I said, outside it the best way to make this happen. Masks can be worn before the meal as well, just like when going to a restaurant. Also, it’s important that the two weeks leading up to Thanksgiving everyone is over-the-top careful, so the holidays can be covid-free. Wear masks, Wash hands. Stay in as much as possible. 

If your family just cannot get together, use some of the tools available to us today to “get together” and celebrate electronically.  Zoom calls or facetime calls are perfect for these occasions. You can even sit (by phone) a missing family member or family members in the middle of the table to join in the conversation! It’s not ideal, but it can be fun.

It’s so important that we, as adults, model what it looks like to be accommodating to our families, mindful of the current dilemma we’re facing and, still, present a good attitude about all of it. Thanksgiving is a time for just that—giving thanks.   There will be a certain amount of sadness if grandma (that’s us) cannot attend the usual festivities, but we’re creative, aren’t we? I have no doubt we’re going to figure this out and have a happy holiday.