Grateful

From the November Issue of Breads and Threads Homemade Magazine

Written by Tietricha Thomas

During a time traditionally dedicated to gathering together we are being asked to avoid doing just that. With the recent spike in COVID-19 cases, large gatherings are being discouraged. Some of us will end up spending the holiday alone or in much smaller company than we are accustomed to. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t still have a Great Thanksgiving.

Here are 3 ways you can have a Full Thanksgiving no matter the size of your crowd: 

• Focus On Those Closest To You – One thing I heard lots of people say towards the beginning of quarantine was that they were getting to know their families better than ever. Before quarantine most of us were living at a much faster pace. Between work, school, after school activities, hobbies, travel, family duties, etc… we were constantly going to or coming from somewhere. When all of those things came to a halt, it left a lot of time for us to really get to know each other. Let’s embrace that pace this Thanksgiving. Use the time that would have been spent packing for travel, or prepping for a house full of guests, to instead relax, and have some meaningful conversations with your family. Tell them why you are thankful for them.  
• Lonely Doesn’t (Have To) Mean Alone – Digital Friendsgiving Anyone? I know, I know…. We are all so tired of looking at computer screens, but hear me out. Organize a group facetime, bring your own breakfast , and watch the new Macy’s day parade with your extended family and/or friends. (It will look a little different this year due to COVID-19). You can also organize a digital watch party for you and your loved ones to watch some Turkey Day Football together.  BYOS (Bring your own snacks). Find ways to have a really meaningful connection with those you can’t be with this year, beyond sending the typical Thanksgiving Day text or meme. 
• Do Something For Others – I find that when I focus on what I can do to help others, my issues become a whole lot smaller. Yes, this Thanksgiving may be a tad bit lonelier than others, but we still have so much to be thankful for. If you have remained healthy or employed so far during 2020, then you already have a really great start to what I’m sure could be a pretty lengthy gratitude list. There are many people who are not only lonely but truly in need this holiday season. Research opportunities in your community to give back to those who could use some extra help during this time. There are many “COVID safe” options out there, and plenty of people who would truly appreciate and benefit from any extra help. 

If COVID-19 has taught us anything, it’s that the things we take for granted can be taken from us in the blink of an eye. We should be just as grateful for the “mundane” as we are the “extraordinary”. With the type of year 2020 has been, we can all just be thankful that we have made it thus far. So, no matter how you celebrate and connect this Thanksgiving, remember more than anything to be grateful.