Well, none of us wanted to still be talking about a pandemic at this point of the year BUT here we are! And as always, we like to look on the bright side of things and how we can take this less than optimal situation and turn it into something enjoyable. While we’d all love to spend time with our family and friends in person this Thanksgiving, the best thing we can do is skip the in person part and figure out new, creative ways to connect with our friends and family OR find entirely new ways to spend Thanksgiving that you may have never considered. We’ve compiled five great ways to spend this Thanksgiving in a socially-distant, safe manner.

1. Order or send food

Why not cut yourself some slack and order side dishes? Preparing a full Thanksgiving dinner is pretty stressful and who needs the extra stress this year? A great way to treat yourself and help hard hit businesses is to order your Thanksgiving meal or side dishes from a local restaurant. You could also consider ordering precooked sides from your grocery store or another online food service provider.

But hey, for some of us the best part of Thanksgiving is cooking and sharing those dishes with the ones you love. You can still do it! It will just require a bit more planning and logistics. Reach out to friends, family and others in your community who might need homemade food the most, whether they’re struggling financially or emotionally. You can send them your delicious dishes through the mail or dead drops to those who live nearby.

2. host a virtual thanksgiving party

2020 is definitely the year of virtual everything so why not make Thanksgiving virtual too? Create a festive Zoom backdrop with some decorations, exchange recipes with loved ones and enjoy a virtual dining experience!

3. volunteer

It’s called the season of giving for a reason and volunteering is a great way to give back. Organizations have already started setting up virtual food and toy drives that will allow you to give back from the comfort of your home. If you’re one that likes a bit more hands-on approach, you can participate by volunteering with organizations like Meals on Wheels and delivering food to the elderly.

4. Decorate for the holidays

A festive atmosphere goes a long way in a celebration, even if you’re alone or without family. Why not put the money you’d normally spend on buying a whole turkey or flying home into your home instead? Get festive smelling candles to fill your home with whatever scent you associate with the holidays. Our sense of smell is strongly tied to memories, so candles can really help wrap you in the joy of past gatherings. You could also buy a festive outfit to wear, even if you have nowhere to go. How about decking out your outdoor space in holiday cheer for all your neighbors to see and enjoy?

5. Write out what you’re thankful for

Need help getting into the holiday spirit this year? Writing out what you’re most thankful for is a great way to start. Even though 2020 has been a rough one, it helps to focus on the things that have made you a better person.

Have other ideas on ways to spend this Thanksgiving? Share them with us on our Instagram page! However you decide to enjoy this Thanksgiving, stay safe and healthy and know that we’re thankful for each one of YOU!

Tags: #thankful, #thanksgiving