Thanksgiving is always a stressful time, and this year is no exception.

Whether you are the host or attendee, Thanksgiving in 2020 is unique and could leave you feeling alone. This is the ultimate family holiday, right? We are facing strange times, so here is a quick how-to guide for attending a virtual Thanksgiving that will leave everyone feeling happy, full, and satisfied.

#1. Make a plan

Get together with everyone who will be attending your virtual Thanksgiving and create a group menu. This way everyone can prepare for the event, pick up the groceries needed, and everyone can eat the same food to feel like it’s all in person. Not everyone has to eat the exact same thing, but it could help share an experience and conversation for a particular food.

#2. Help anyone who may not be able to make it to the store

Some family members may not be able to make it to the grocery store ahead of time. Get a headcount and pick up their ingredients while you are shopping or someone else in the family. There are countless options for grocery delivery serives, as well!

#3. Send out virtual invites

Send out virtual invites to everyone you want to share Thanksgiving with. Make sure the invite has important information like the meal plan, time, and a general schedule of events.

#4. Host a prep party!

Cooking a lot of food is HARD! With multiple people cooking, you aren’t alone! Gather everyone who will be doing the cooking in the family on a Zoom call and go through the steps together. It will create a fun environment and you could learn a couple of new things, like what grandma does to make that pumpkin pie SO good.

#5. Get a gratitude bowl

If there is anything 2020 taught us, it’s what we are most grateful for. Have all the members of each families write down one or two things they are most grateful and read it aloud at the beginning or end of the meal. It is a heartwarming and thoughtful process that could really set the tone for the event.

#6. Make Thanksgiving resolutions

It’s like a New Years resolution, but the Thanksgiving version! It could be anything, from trying to learn a new language or maybe the little ones want to learn how to read an entire book on their own. This will remind everyone that good things are coming. It can also create new and unique bonds from various family members. Maybe that one cousin you never speak to is fluent in Spanish and would love to help you learn the language.

We understand that it’s hard to skip traditions and think of a new way to do things. It is hard on the families and kids. This year has not been easy, but let’s continue to make the most of it in a safe environment and look on the bright side of things.

For more information, click here to read the CDC guidelines for Thanksgiving. You can also check out this website for more ways to have the best virtual Thanksgiving this year!

Cox Media Group