In response to recent CDC recommendations and various state regulations, many of us are opting to skip the travel and big family celebrations that usually come with Thanksgiving day. If you are traveling or hosting a dinner, be sure to check out and follow the strategies to keep the big day as safe as you can. For those of us who are choosing the smaller-scale option, there are ways to make your alternative Thanksgiving feel special.
Connect with Family
A lot of us are using Zoom or similar apps to connect with family virtually when we can’t be together this year– so many that Zoom has lifted its standard time limit for free meetings. While most of those gatherings will be times for just catching up with loved ones, you can also turn it into a bonding experience with family game day. Print or generate virtual bingo cards; have a Bad Joke Contest; choose another game to entertain and bring the crew together.
Some families are using this time to share old movies, letters, and photos. As an interesting twist on the old Twenty Questions game to bring the family closer, you might play with objects that have special meaning, such as a cherished toy or heirloom.
Make a New Tradition
Many of our usual traditions are not available in the same way, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t available at all. Macy’s, for example, will still host its famous Thanksgiving Day Parade on television, and the National Dog Show will still air. Or perhaps you’ll prefer a Thanksgiving movie marathon.
If the traditional turkey dinner makes you feel the absence of a big gathering, this is a good time to try out something new in the kitchen. You might also consider volunteering your time or delivering meals to those who can’t go out at all. The holiday is also a good time to get a start on decorating for the rest of the holiday season or for makers to kick start a new project.
Take Time to Unplug
Remember, there’s no rule that says you need any bells and whistles on this day at all. It’s been a challenging year, and the holiday is a good time to allow yourself to just unplug and recharge without anxiety over what you might be missing. Have a nice meal. Stream a series. Read a book. Do a jigsaw puzzle. Enjoy some quiet time, and be glad you’re not sitting in traffic or standing in an airport queue. There’s always next year for that.
Whatever we’re doing this year, remember the point of the day is to take a moment to feel gratitude for the best things and people we have in our lives, whether they are nearby or far away. The Records Company extends our thanks to our wonderful clients and to our team of specialists who make our mission possible every day.
Your work-life balance is our business! Contact us to learn more about how our services can save you the time and resources that will help you work more efficiently and keep the balance you need.