A Thanksgiving like no other.
Thanksgiving, a most beloved of American holidays with family traveling hours and miles to share a very elaborate meal, watch a parade and sports and reconnect. It’s the tradition.
This year is going to be quite different. For many it will be a much smaller gathering (if any), and for some it will be solo. Anguish abounds about how whether to celebrate it or not, whether to have turkey or chicken, or maybe just stay in bed, watch movies, or pretend its just any other day. Food websites, Facebook cooking groups and more are full of anxious people trying to figure out how and what to do. When Aunt Mabel makes the pie and you don’t, or if your usual turkey is 20lbs and there are two of you, how do you cope?
All isn’t lost. Solutions are everywhere on how to cope, adjust, adapt. Like everything this year it’s a new normal for everyone. However, some things will be the same, some not but here are a few bits and pieces that might help.
Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade
Macys has stepped up to the plate, big time, and unfazed by the situation have adjusted their plans and adapted. Realizing the need for the continuity during tough times they are creating a parade experience for television viewers with a reduced parade route, no audience, musical numbers but no marching bands, a small number of balloon tethered to vehicles and Santa. This will be televised across the country 9am-12pm local times. As they struggle for business this support for the country is really a noteworthy gift.
The Feast
Reading posts and pages in the food community you can hear the high anxiety about meal planning, and the deep sadness that it won’t be the same. However, there are ways to celebrate the occasion in reduced and simpler ways. There are numerous places offering altered menus and cooking techniques to help ensure you have a feast, however large or small. This might also be the year that you order your meal pre-prepared wholly, or partly. If the change in the holiday is causing you too much stress why not save time and energy and let someone else make it? Or maybe this is the year you have turkey legs? Or just a plate of stuffing? And some pie! @storeboughtisfine says
With smaller gatherings this Thanksgiving, it’s your chance to buck tradition without facing the wrath of your extended family and try a new spin
Referring to pie it really does cover everything. This is the year to do something different. Sushi perhaps?
The Washington Post suggests 5 sheet pan meals, with some great ideas for dirtying just one pan and ending up with a delicious meal.
Serious Eats has suggestions for smaller groups with big spreads, all interesting and completely doable.
And in an interesting turn NYTimes shares how to have a Thanksgiving meal from one pot – in under 3 hours. Melissa Clark, whose clear no nonsense cooking style will walk you through the entire process – on YouTube. Or you can follow Samin Nosrat’s video on how to make the best tasting turkey.
And as every other year there is the Butterball help line.
If the thought of cooking some kind of meal is overwhelming, or you want to escape the effort it involves supermarkets and gourmet stores offer complete meals or portions. If the thought of not cooking has horrified you in the past maybe the surreal reality of 2020 is the time to try. Another option is Goldbelly that has offerings from top notch restaurants around the country tempting you to try some interesting and varied food. With a dedicated Thanksgiving selection there is a variety of options from appetizers to deserts. Or maybe this is the year to have Friend Chicken from Marcus Samulsson or Beef Short Ribs from Daniel Boulud. Not cheap, but something different and would make the day special.
Loneliness, sadness and filling the day
There is no doubt this will be a difficult holiday for many. Those able to piece together a more normal one also many not be immune to a range of emotions. Seniors, singles, healthcare workers, those with grief, parents without grandkids, college kids stuck in place. What to do? Numerous articles can be found online with suggestions, comforting advice. But an often repeated phrase circling online is ‘it’s just one day’ – the underlying suggestion to just get through the day, don’t celebrate it, treat it as another day.
Easier said than done. However, with zoom, FaceTime, and other media it is possible to connect, reach out and spend some time with loved ones. Or you can just load up on feel good movies, start a puzzle, read the collected works of Stephen King, War and Peace, or some other huge tome. If you are one of fortunate ones whose day will be closer to normal it is a good time reach out to elderly family, friends or neighbors and check in about their day. Remember those you know who may be struggling, or even those who you don’t think are. Loneliness and depression are often masked well. Stay on the safe side and just reach out.
UPDATE: Some great news to help!!
Some resources:
How to Cope When You Are Alone on Thanksgiving
Solo on the Holiday? Reach Out: NYTimes
Suggestions include giving back through a virtual food back, accept the feelings, write cards to the needy, volunteer to walk shelter dogs….or maybe better foster or adopt an animal.
5 Ways to Prepare for Your First Holiday Alone: AARP
Covid means Thanksgiving and Christmas will be a bummer. Don’t make it worse by urging joy: NBCNews
