As we all know, Thanksgiving is much different this year. Many family gatherings and traditions will change. Although it is different, you can still celebrate together with some of the traditional plans.
Gather virtually: Our Activities Team and residents have easily grasped the “virtual meeting” concept. If you have a smartphone, tablet, iPad, laptop/computer with a camera, you can gather online and have your traditional Thanksgiving dinner together. At Christ the King Manor, we use FaceTime, Google Duo, Skype, and sometimes Zoom. Click these links to see how to easily set up and use these video chat channels: How to use FaceTime; How to set up and use Zoom; How to set up and use Google Duo; How to set up and use Skype. If you are unable to meet via video chat, visit your loved one by social distancing with masks and hand sanitizer through a window or door of your loved ones’ houses.
Macy’s Parade is still on: As stated online, the biggest change is that “This year’s 94th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will be for television audiences only. There won’t be the normal 2.5-mile parade route or crowds along the way; instead, the event will be tied only to the cameras in front of the Macy’s Herald Square flagship store on 34th Street in New York City.”. Variety online has a great article about the previous parades versus this year’s parade. CLICK HERE to read the full article.
Watch the Dog Show: Each year, animals across the nation are seen on TV during the National Dog Show. The program will start on NBC directly after the Macy’s Day Parade at 12:00 noon. The show is broadcasted until 2:00pm. If you need or want an extra smile this Thanksgiving, tune in to NBC at noon. Learn more about the Dog Show and what to expect by CLICKING HERE.
The Turkey Bowl. The Tukey Bowl is a tradition in many families, including mine, where teams are formed among extended family members after dinner and you play backyard, flag football. Although this year families are unable to have their annual Turkey Bowl, keep the football tradition going.
Gear up for the weather, and go outside to throw the ball with members of the family you do live with. You don’t have to have large teams to keep the tradition going.
Watch football. Thanksgiving Day is full of football games. The Texans and Lions play at 12:30, Washington and the Cowboys play at 4:30, and the Steelers and Ravens play at 8:20.
Start a new Thanksgiving Tradition or just do something different!
Make a time capsule. 2020 has been crazy, so remember the crazy times by creating a time capsule. This is an easy way to get all extended family members involved this Thanksgiving. First, text or call relatives to see if they want to participate. Then, have them place the item they want to put in the time capsule outside their house. After that, dedicate one person to go around and collect all the items. Once you have all items, find a box you can place the items in. Finally, burry the box where you will find it or place it in the basement/attic until the allotted time is up. Years from now, you can reflect on the items and trigger great memories.
Watch some Thanksgiving movies: This site has a list of many amazing Thanksgiving films. CLICK HERE
Remember loved ones: During Thanksgiving, it is important to reflect on what you are thankful for. As you grow older, more and more of your loved ones pass away. Reflect on some of your loved ones who cannot be with you this year by praying, visiting their gravesite, or journaling some memories you have of them. Remember the reasons you were thankful for them when they were here on earth. What are somethings that they did that meant so much to you? This is a great way to reflect on your past this Thanksgiving.
Christ the King Manor wants to wish you and your family a blessed Thanksgiving this year. We pray you stay safe and healthy while continuing to show your thanks to all around you.
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Happy Thanksgiving!
Author: Dominique Martino, M.A.
Title: Director of Marketing and Communications