Giving Thanks Safely

Written by Karen A. Miller, CFP®, CPFA on 19 November 2020.

Women Helping Women: Giving Thanks Safely

As Covid-19 cases are on the rise, having a happy Thanksgiving this year may look a lot different than years past. We know that even in a crazy year like this one, there is much to be thankful for. So, we created this quick article to offer a few ideas to help you stay safe, while still having a meaningful celebration.

If you must gather, keep it small

While Thanksgiving is traditionally a time for gathering with family and friends, the CDC is currently recommending that to be the safest, you should only celebrate with the people that you live with.

If you have your heart set on an in-person celebration, they offer the following guidance:

Keep the celebration to 10 people or fewer
Eat outside if possible and, if not, try to keep doors or windows open
Mix only with one other family
Wear masks when not eating and try to maintain your distance
Wash your hands often
Avoid going in and out of the kitchen unless you are the person preparing the food
Use paper and plastic or request guests to bring their own
Have only one person serving all the food
And you can even consider having guests bring their own food

Zoom with your loved ones

You could also set up a Zoom to celebrate with your family and friends. You can even make it fun by creating one menu with recipes from each family, so you’re all enjoying the same foods at the same times. Even through social distance, you can still go around the tables and say what you’re thankful for or play other games together too.

Start a new tradition

Another idea may be to start a new Thanksgiving tradition this year. If it’s just going to be you and your nuclear family, for example, maybe you want to splurge a little. You could consider eating out if there’s a restaurant you feel comfortable with. Or you could consider ordering the whole dinner in from a restaurant, caterer or somewhere like Whole Foods. This may feel a bit odd, but can be a good way to relax and truly enjoy this holiday in a new way.

We know that these ideas may not sound like as much fun as a typical year, but they’re designed to help you stay safe—because the health of you and those you love, is one of the most important things to be thankful for.

At Gasber Financial, we are thankful for clients like you and hope that however you decide to celebrate, you will stay safe and healthy. Happy Thanksgiving.