‘Tis the season for gratitude, giving, and lots and lots of turkey. However, amid the coronavirus pandemic, your Thanksgiving festivities might look a bit different. Maybe instead of a packed house, you’re only entertaining your immediate family members (ya know, the ones you’ve been cooped up with for the past nine months). Or, maybe you’ll be spending the holiday completely alone. Whatever the case, there are ways to make your Thanksgiving feel festive and special, even while social distancing.
Ahead, we’ve found the best quarantine Thanksgiving ideas you can do at home. You might even find that taking the time to reimagine Thanksgiving could lead to new traditions that last for years to come. Need more ideas on how to celebrate the holiday? These are our favorite things to do on Thanksgiving (besides eat mashed potatoes, gravy, and all the desserts, that is!)
Make a filling fall breakfast:
One of the best things about Thanksgiving is the food, so it makes sense to start the day with something scrumptious.
Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade:
Sure, it’ll look different this year, but the show will go on. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio confirmed that the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will be held virtually without a crowd. “It will not be a live parade, but something that will really give us that warmth and that great feeling we have on Thanksgiving day.” You’ll definitely want to tune in to this once-in-a-lifetime (hopefully) experience.
Go on a family walk or bike ride:
Go ahead, enjoy the fresh air! Break out your bicycles and take a spin around the block to look for the prettiest leaves and trees. It’s a great way to get moving before you get eating.
Play an outdoor game:
Little ones love to celebrate all day long, and playing an outdoor game is the perfect way to get them off the sofa and into the fresh air. A bean-bag toss is ideal for kids (and adults!) of all ages.
Mix a fall cocktail:
There are so many yummy fall flavors that taste delicious in cocktails. Mix individual drinks or whip up a large batch of punch in the morning.
Make a Thanksgiving craft:
Need something to do while the turkey cooks? Try an arts and crafts project. Making something as simple as a handprint turkey will keep the kids occupied. Not to mention, it’ll be a cute keepsake for years to come.
Get everyone cooking:
Everyone in the house can help get dinner on the table. Kids can roll pie dough and mix ingredients together, and other adults can put together a signature dish. Just because your feast might be smaller this year doesn’t mean it has to be any less creative or fun.
Host a virtual party:
By now, you’re a pro at hosting virtual parties. Get the entire family together on Zoom and play a card game or say something you’re thankful for.
Watch a fall movie:
The best way to unwind on Thanksgiving is with a cozy fall movie. Build a pillow fort, pop some popcorn (or heat up some leftovers), and snuggle in to watch a film. If you want to get a head start on the holidays, watch a Christmas movie.
Decorate for Christmas:
Yes, we said it. To us, Thanksgiving and Christmas can be celebrated in one big, happy bundle! After enjoying a festive dinner, take some time to transform your home into a cozy winter wonderland!
For other ideas, check out: Good Housekeeping
