There’s no denying this year has brought on enough challenges to last a lifetime. And those we usually turn to in difficult times are now the individuals to which we’re advised not to get too close. With Thanksgiving just around the corner to kick off the holiday season, it’s natural to want to spend time gathering and reconnecting with family and friends, and feeling even just an ounce of normalcy in what has been a topsy-turvy 2020.

But with that feeling also comes the looming shadow of the surging pandemic and the worries of spreading COVID-19. You feel conflicted, and that’s completely understandable. In the midst of rising cases across the country, and at a time where many folks are thinking about getting together with loved ones, the CDC has provided some helpful guidelines for celebrating the holiday season safely. There’s a lot of valuable information on their webpage and I certainly urge you to read through all the essential recommendations in helping to prevent the continued spread of the virus. This includes avoiding air travel if possible, wearing a mask, continuing to social distance oneself, limiting gatherings to household members only, hosting get-togethers outdoors, diligently washing your hands, minimizing exposure to at-risk individuals, and more.

Why not consider more lower-risk Thanksgiving activities? What would that entail? The way I see it, this season is a unique opportunity to try out some fun, new traditions while keeping everyone safe and healthy. Here are just a few:

Virtual Thanksgiving… Where Pants Are Optional?

One benefit to not having to sit around a formal dining table? No one can call you out on wearing your nice holiday sweater while sporting some stretchy sweatpants or your favorite pair of shorts down below.

Recipe Swap - Fewer Cooks in the Kitchen

How to engage with friends and family without being able to see them in person or getting Zoom fatigued? Share some of your favorite recipes ahead of Thanksgiving! It’s almost as if they’re right there in your kitchen telling you that you’re folding in the cheese all wrong.

Don’t Be A Stranger, Send Food to an At-Risk Neighbor

I’m sure we all know of at least one friendly neighbor who is isolated from family this season and could use a nice home-cooked meal. Safely deliver contactless traditional turkey day meals to a friend or neighbor and remember to sanitize as you prepare!

Take a Hike, Literally.

Why not try swapping out chaotic airport travel, sitting in neverending traffic, attempting to quell yet another heated family debate, and being forced to eat 4 days of leftovers, with a touch of the great outdoors? Your mind and body (and pup) will thank you.

So, as we go into the holiday season, let’s all remember to share the love but not the germs. We are all feeling the pandemic fatigue, but we can all still partake in slowing the spread of the virus just by making a few adjustments to our traditional plans. Stay safe and healthy out there!

Happy Thanksgiving from the entire pMD family!