Thanksgiving is a time to gather together with loved ones and celebrate the wonderful things in life; however, this year, gathering might not be the best idea. But that doesn’t mean the sentiment and traditions need to change! In fact, this year has made us grateful for many things that we once took for granted. Whether you plan to have Thanksgiving with just your roommates at your apartment or invite over some very close friends, the celebrations will surely be a blast. Keep reading to find out how you can host the best Thanksgiving at home. 

 

Focus on the Small Wins

While sitting around the dinner table, you may feel nervous about the typical “I’m grateful for…” speech, but you don’t have to be. This year has been tough for everyone, and your family understands that you might not have announcements about booking vacations, getting that promotion, or buying a house. Instead, focus on the small wins to make everyone happy and comfortable. You can mention being grateful for the food on the table, the people you are with, or even the ability to get out of bed in the morning. 

 

Make it a Zoom Celebration

With the CDC recommendations to avoid large gatherings, it’s best to stay at home with immediate family or roommates, but that doesn’t mean grandma has to miss out on the festivities. There’s no reason not to get the whole family together virtually with so many great platforms for video calls. Whether you want to feast together over Zoom or simply call during the toast to talk about things you’re grateful for, no one needs to feel left out, even if they can’t be there in person. 

 

Make it a Stress-Free Affair

With so many stressors this year, make Thanksgiving a stress-free event by taking the work out of it. Instead of cooking up a large feast, consider ordering it from a restaurant or minimizing the variety of dishes you would normally make. The last thing you want to worry about is burning the turkey or forgetting the ingredient for a certain side dish. Or, if you do decide to cook, opt for paper plates, making the clean up quick and easy.. 

 

With all of the changes going on this year, it’s alright to make your Thanksgiving a smaller affair. At the end of the day, this celebration is about gratefulness, friends, family, and loved ones, so do whatever makes you happy and comfortable. Do you have any questions about hosting a Thanksgiving this year? Share them with us in the comments below.