Thanksgiving, COVID Style

It seems like just yesterday we were all celebrating Easter in socially-distanced fashion, and months later, it seems like that’s gonna be the case for this holiday, too. 

As we’ve been experiencing all year, it will most likely be tempting to attend large get-togethers to celebrate (arguably) the best holiday. Though with many family members immuno-compromised, and extended family traveling from out of state, gathering together may unfortunately be impossible. 

It’ll definitely be a holiday like no other, but who says it has to be bad! Here are a few ways you can spice up your COVID friendly Thanksgiving dinner.


The Food

This one’s a no brainer-- It’s what Thanksgiving’s all about! Now we know most families have those recipes that mom’s insist on making at Thanksgiving every year, just for the sake of saying they made it. But this year, try to switch things up a bit and maybe take a stab in the kitchen yourself. You’ll surprise yourself at just how fun an interesting dish can make a holiday, whether it be an appetizer or a main course. You can find some mouthwatering appetizers like creamy pumpkin hummus and cranberry and bacon swiss cheese dip here, or, check out some of our fave recipes written in this EDGE article here!

The Drinks

Fancy drinks are a great way to not only make your Thanksgiving spread look aesthetically pleasing, but they can also taste delish too. If you’re feeling boozy, try out some fan-faves like spiced apple cider mimosas or cranberry margaritas here. And if you’re not, try a hot chocolate bar. Check out this TikTok that demonstrates just how to do it. With Lindt chocolate, crushed peppermint, and yummy marshmallows, this one won’t disappoint. 

The Fun

This is gonna be super important to keep spirits high when Thanksgiving doesn’t look the way it normally does. That’s why you should plan in advance what fun you’ll have for the holiday rather than scrambling the day of. Toss the football around with your family, play 2v2, or even change the game altogether with something like basketball, catch, or soccer. Heck, even make a leaf pile if you’re feeling so inclined. It won’t be the same, but it’s what you make of it.

And if sports aren’t your jam, try a board game! We’ve recently been having a blast playing the old classic Catch Phrase, but games like Life, Scattergories, or even Cards Against Humanity are an awesome way to bring some laughter, fun, and competition into your holiday. 

The Gratitude 

Let’s be honest, this pandemic isn’t easy on any of us. We’ve gotten so much of our lives taken away that we often dwell on the negatives in our lives rather than being thankful for the positives. So this year, when you sit down for your Thanksgiving dinner, whatever that may look like, take a second to reflect with your family. There’s so much to be appreciative for. Sharing your gratitude is simple, but meaningful, and it’ll be a time for you and your family to really connect with each other like no year before. 





Fancy drinks are a great way to not only make your Thanksgiving spread look aesthetically pleasing, but they can also taste delish too. If you’re feeling boozy, try out some fan-faves like spiced apple cider mimosas or cranberry margaritas here. And if you’re not, try a hot chocolate bar. Check out this TikTok that demonstrates just how to do it. With Lindt chocolate, crushed peppermint, and yummy marshmallows, this one won’t disappoint. 

The Fun

This is gonna be super important to keep spirits high when Thanksgiving doesn’t look the way it normally does. That’s why you should plan in advance what fun you’ll have for the holiday rather than scrambling the day of. Toss the football around with your family, play 2v2, or even change the game altogether with something like basketball, catch, or soccer. Heck, even make a leaf pile if you’re feeling so inclined. It won’t be the same, but it’s what you make of it.



And if sports aren’t your jam, try a board game! We’ve recently been having a blast playing the old classic Catch Phrase, but games like Life, Scattergories, or even Cards Against Humanity are an awesome way to bring some laughter, fun, and competition into your holiday. 





The Gratitude 

Let’s be honest, this pandemic isn’t easy on any of us. We’ve gotten so much of our lives taken away that we often dwell on the negatives in our lives rather than being thankful for the positives. So this year, when you sit down for your Thanksgiving dinner, whatever that may look like, take a second to reflect with your family. There’s so much to be appreciative for. Sharing your gratitude is simple, but meaningful, and it’ll be a time for you and your family to really connect with each other like no year before. 





This is gonna be super important to keep spirits high when Thanksgiving doesn’t look the way it normally does. That’s why you should plan in advance what fun you’ll have for the holiday rather than scrambling the day of. Toss the football around with your family, play 2v2, or even change the game altogether with something like basketball, catch, or soccer. Heck, even make a leaf pile if you’re feeling so inclined. It won’t be the same, but it’s what you make of it.



And if sports aren’t your jam, try a board game! We’ve recently been having a blast playing the old classic Catch Phrase, but games like Life, Scattergories, or even Cards Against Humanity are an awesome way to bring some laughter, fun, and competition into your holiday. 





The Gratitude 

Let’s be honest, this pandemic isn’t easy on any of us. We’ve gotten so much of our lives taken away that we often dwell on the negatives in our lives rather than being thankful for the positives. So this year, when you sit down for your Thanksgiving dinner, whatever that may look like, take a second to reflect with your family. There’s so much to be appreciative for. Sharing your gratitude is simple, but meaningful, and it’ll be a time for you and your family to really connect with each other like no year before. 





Jackie Baumann