Thanksgiving is Here Again
Thanksgiving is on the horizon and with it comes several new challenges. This is a holiday that revolves around family and togetherness and we are currently living in a situation where this can be hazardous to our health. So how do we celebrate this wonderful time of year and how to do we get the great Black Friday prices without putting our families and ourselves in danger? There is no real answer to this question, but there are a few things we can do to help ensure we and our loved ones stay safe.
Thanksgiving
In a climate where large gatherings are dangerous, how do we celebrate this wonderful holiday? The answer is to be creative and smart. I would never tell someone not to get the family together especially because for many this is the only time of year it happens. However, there are precautions we can take. One of the challenges of COVID-19 is there usually is a short period where an effected person shows no signs. So, to combat this why not suggest temperature checks and brief quarantines a few days prior to the big event. Wearing a mask and washing your hands often is another simple preventative step. We can also set up our house differently. Instead of one large table split people up into smaller groups. Instead of buffet style meals, why not serve premade plates. These are just some small examples of things that can be done. Finally, do not hesitate to involve technology. If you have a family member that is high risk set up a large zoom call. This is a great way to be together and separate at the same time. Ultimately it is up to us as individuals to decide what is best for ourselves and our families. Just make sure to take some precautions.
Travel
Thanksgiving week is always one of the busiest travel weeks of the year. People want to spend this time with their loved ones and are willing to spend some money to do so. So how does one travel safely? Well to start with, follow all the rules at an airport if you must fly. Do not touch things you do not have to and wear a mask. Additionally, remember to arrive at the airport early. Odds are the COVID precautions will cause some delays.
Another way to stay safe is to not fly at all. Plan a road trip. Driving can be a pain, but it can also lead to some fun times. Take your family and get in the car and see the country the old fashion way. If you have a long trip preplan where you will stop and reserve a hotel room. This way you have time to check the reviews and you can make sure you pick a hotel that is clean and safe. Finally, remember to be cautious at rest stops. Wash your hands often and wear a mask and gloves when appropriate. It is possible to travel safely, to do so you must make sure to be diligent in your planning.
Shopping
It is not Thanksgiving weekend without Black Friday. The day of deals, shopping madness, and big crowds of people. It is dangerous to go shopping during a normal Black Friday, but when you factor in a health pandemic shopping can become deadly. So how does one still get the best deals and stay safe? The answer is simple. Use the Internet. Almost all retailers have an online store that offers the same deals without the hassle of going into the store. Furthermore, most of these same companies offer free curbside pickup. So, if you do not want to wait for an item to ship all you need to do is order, drive to the store, and have it delivered to you. Getting out of the car is unnecessary. You can get what you need the same day without long lines or any health risk.
What Really Matters
Getting and receiving material goods is fun and nice, but we must remember that not everyone is fortunate enough to be able to afford nice things. Many people lost their jobs and their businesses because of the COVID pandemic. So, for those of us of are fortunate we must take a few minutes, and a few dollars, and try to help those in need. We can donate to food banks, we can contribute to toy or coat drives, or we can simply volunteer. It does not matter what one does. What matters is that we all do our part to help those in need. Additionally, if you are in a situation where you do not have the funds you typically have for gift buying, remember that it is okay. Small inexpensive gifts with personal meaning can often be the best presents. So do not worry about how much money you spend, worry about how much thought you put into it. A well thought out gift never fails to make someone happy.
Thanksgiving is a time of celebration. We need to make sure we stop for a day and think about what we are truly thankful for. So, react to our current social climate and take appropriate steps to protect yourself and your loved ones, but do not let these steps take away from the movement. Be smart and do not waste a lot of effort worrying about things you cannot control. Finally, have a great Thanksgiving and a wonderful holiday season.