How to Celebrate Thanksgiving Safely During COVID-19

Nov 23, 2020 | COVID-19, Healthy Living | 0 comments

Having a hard time deciding what to do for Thanksgiving in the midst of the pandemic? Get inspired and stay safe with ideas and tips from the CDC.

It’s that time of year when many of us are typically making travel arrangements or wrangling distant relatives to gather for that much-anticipated Thanksgiving feast. Needless to say, the holiday is looking a lot different this year as we work together to combat the novel coronavirus. But that doesn’t mean your 2020 Thanksgiving can’t be special.

Consider these celebration and safety tips from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). And find ways to keep fun, family, and gratitude in your Thanksgiving this year.

Travel advice & safety

The CDC recommends staying home as the surest way of protecting yourself and other people from COVID-19 and other illnesses. But if you are considering taking a Thanksgiving trip, there are certain questions you should ask yourself and your loved ones to reach the right decision. For example:

  • Is anyone in your household or travel group at higher risk for getting seriously ill from COVID-19?
  • Are cases in your travel destination on the rise? (Use the CDC COVID Data Tracker to check.)
  • Are there travel requirements or restrictions in place in your community or destination? (See state and local requirements here.)

See the CDC’s full list of questions to consider before making your travel plans >>

Needless to say, the holiday is looking a lot different this year as we work together to combat the novel coronavirus. But that doesn’t mean your 2020 Thanksgiving can’t be special.

Travel advice & safety

The CDC recommends staying home as the surest way of protecting yourself and other people from COVID-19 and other illnesses. But if you are considering taking a Thanksgiving trip, there are certain questions you should ask yourself and your loved ones to reach the right decision. For example:

  • Is anyone in your household or travel group at higher risk for getting seriously ill from COVID-19?
  • Are cases in your travel destination on the rise? (Use the CDC COVID Data Tracker to check.)
  • Are there travel requirements or restrictions in place in your community or destination? (See state and local requirements here.)

See the CDC’s full list of questions to consider before making your travel plans >>

Needless to say, the holiday is looking a lot different this year as we work together to combat the novel coronavirus. But that doesn’t mean your 2020 Thanksgiving can’t be special.

If you do decide to get outta Dodge this Thanksgiving, travel safely by:

  • Getting your flu shot before you go
  • Wearing a mask in public settings
  • Staying at least 6 feet away from anyone outside of your household group
  • Washing your hands or using hand sanitizer often

Check out more CDC safety pointers for travel here >>

Attending or hosting a gathering

Planning to attend a gathering with people outside of your household this Thanksgiving? You can make sure your gathering is as safe as possible. For starters, wear a mask, stay at least 6 feet away from people who don’t live with you, and keep those hands clean. You can also consider:

  • Bringing your own food, beverages, dishes, and eating utensils
  • Limiting the amount of shared items by using single-use salad dressings, condiments, plates, etc.
  • Minimizing the foot traffic in and out of places where food is prepped (like the kitchen)

Get all the safety measures for gatherings from the CDC >>

If you’re the one hosting Thanksgiving dinner this year, ensure the safety of your family and guests by:

Take a look at the CDC’s full list of hosting safety suggestions >>

New ways to celebrate Thanksgiving

Still feeling indecisive about how to celebrate Thanksgiving? Get creative with some of these new holiday activities:

  • Host a virtual Thanksgiving dinner with friends or family members who don’t live in your household
  • After tuning in for the Thanksgiving Day parade, have a movie marathon at home
  • Break out the board games and puzzles
  • Keep the “thanks” in Thanksgiving by leading your household through a gratitude activity
  • Safely prepare and deliver food to high-risk individuals or people in need

Browse even more Thanksgiving activity ideas on the CDC website >>

0