To give you a bit of background, I am sitting here writing this article on Thursday, November 19th. It is exactly 1 WEEK until Thanksgiving and I am still unsure as to what the holiday will look like. Will we travel to see my family in Bergen County? Will there be a Thanksgiving Day Parade to watch? Will I have to make my VERY FIRST Thanksgiving dinner for just my immediate family of 4? With so many things changing on a daily basis (and for once it's not the traffic patterns), it's hard to get excited about Turkey Day.
To not get excited about a holiday is tough for someone like me who finds a reason to celebrate everything (Yes 1/2 birthdays require a cake and candles!). I have found myself really struggling to get a plan in place that will not only be fun, but make the 26th feel like a "NORMAL" Thanksgiving. Wanting so badly to continue the traditions that my family put into place years ago, I have unfortunately realized that 2020 has been anything but traditional.
But is it truly unfortunate? Is it possible that maybe Thanksgiving needs a shake up?! Do I really need to do the EXACT same things that I have been doing for 34 years? It was the moment that I said that statement aloud that I came up with an acronym for Thanksgiving 2020 (You can also thank my son's teacher for asking us to review the alphabet during our 2 week quarantine for this fun idea)
Shake up your Thanksgiving this year with T.U.R.K.E.Y:
T - Thanks: From people putting up Christmas trees and holiday lights already, is it ever too early to send Holiday cards to your family and friends? Why not send out cards this week with a special note to "THANK" your recipient for all that they do for you throughout the year.
U - Under Covers: Who knows what the protocol around Black Friday will be on the 27th, so rather than rushing out to the stores why not do a "Black" Out Friday where you spend the entire day after Thanksgiving watching movies and relaxing with your family.
R - Run!: Unfortunately most local Turkey Trots have been cancelled this year, but you can still participate in some heart pumping activity to kick off your holiday. Try going for a 3.1mile run/walk around your neighborhood. Don't like to run? My family and I are going to do relay races in our backyard, which will probably utilize our turkey baster as a relay prop!
K - Key Lime Pie: Please do not hate me when I say this, but I HATE mashed potatoes. It is actually one of the reasons that I never liked Thanksgiving as a kid. For me, shaking up sides is a way to put a different spin on our holiday, but why stop at sides. Have you ever considered serving key lime pie Instead of apple or pumpkin pie?
E - Everyone Involved: When setting your table, make in interactive! Get everyone involved by leaving pieces of a game on each plate or even parts of a craft that everyone can do together! Better yet, turn your tablecloth into a Gratitude Tablecloth!
Y - Your Own Lunch Box: This suggestion was one that I came up with during a conversation with my mom. A nurse, she is very well versed in how to keep yourself safe during the pandemic. She came up with the idea to have a local market put together "Thanksgiving To-Go" boxes for each member of our small family. These individually wrapped, lunch box style dinners, would avoid the multiple spoon grabs and countless basket passes.
Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!
