Family is everything. This feels especially true when it comes to the holidays. With 2020 being the year of much unprecedented time apart, a long-distance Thanksgiving is among one of the most impactful events. Keep the celebration going with gratitude and these tips, even if it is at a distance.
No matter the distance, family is always connected. We understand how difficult it is to feel connected, especially during 2020 and all-things COVID-19. That’s why we came up with a couple of different ways to celebrate Thanksgiving even when you are celebrating Thanksgiving long-distance.
Socially Distant Celebrations
Although 2020 provided a ton of roadblocks in many people’s paths, technology is helping to bridge many gaps. Having a socially distant Thanksgiving celebration may take on many forms. For some, it is a smaller guest list, spread out seating or an outdoor gathering.
For others, they may not have the luxury to even be socially distant because they live so far apart. Being near and dear to their loved ones must be worked out another way.
Making the most of long-distance Thanksgivings is all about bridging the gap- no matter what that entails. Regardless if you are 20 miles apart or 200, being confined in your home for the holidays and away from loved ones is no easy matter. The holidays are an opportunity to reconnect with loved ones we may not get to otherwise see.
Connecting long distance for the holidays has us feeling more disconnected than ever. The one plus of life in 2020 is having technological advancements as easy access tools.
It makes socially distant or long-distance celebrations a little more tolerable. If you are one of the many people searching for the best ways on how to celebrate Thanksgiving long-distance, consider your options.
Unfortunately, there is no one answer to make things better, so if a long-distance Thanksgiving or holiday season is the path to be taken, let us help make it the best it can be with tips for Thanksgiving planning long distance.
Virtual Cooking
No holiday is the same without a good meal. It just won’t be Thanksgiving. Long-distance holidays are on the horizon. It is something that has to be considered, as they are approaching quickly. Among the most asked question involves meal prep. Understand that prepping a long-distance Thanksgiving meal may look different for everyone.
We all have that one person in our life that we connect with like no other. Imagining going through the holidays without them may be hard to comprehend. It may be that your mom always cooks holiday meals, or your dad is the life of the celebration. Perhaps your grandparents have always hosted during the holidays, and the year 2020 is making all those realities turn into impossibilities.
Virtual meal prep is one way those traditions can stay practiced even this year. Sure, they may look different, but it is something.
It is often said that the ways to someone’s heart is through their stomach. With the holidays having food as their focal point, one way to stay together is to cook together regardless of guidelines. We aren’t saying to ignore CDC guidelines. We are encouraging you to get creative while staying safe.
Cook the same meal together or have the traditional Thanksgiving host (whomever that may be) host a Zoom Thanksgiving cooking session. Through making the dishes in this virtual way for your home or for your immediate Thanksgiving guest list, you’ll get to keep some normalcy in your 2020 Thanksgiving.
This session could involve solely family or keep your Friendsgiving celebrations thriving. This virtual Thanksgiving celebration lets everyone enjoy their traditional dishes and keeps everyone spending the holiday together in a not-so-traditional way.
Virtual Thanksgiving get-togethers aren’t limited to just cooking the dishes. After it is made, have your Thanksgiving dinner together over a virtual platform such as Skype or Microsoft Teams. Knowing that the people you love are there, in whatever capacity it is, will keep things feeling more intimate.
Thanksgiving Food Done for You
Sometimes, technology and virtual cooking sessions aren’t feasible. Sometimes, limitations just get in the way. There are still some options for those long-distance Thanksgivings.
This list of 20 Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving will make long-distance Thanksgivings a little simpler.
For those meeting their loved ones halfway for the holidays, any of these places are options for a hot meal and a common destination. If you are living solo and traveling home to family isn’t an option this Thanksgiving, consider these carryout or catering options. Regardless of the reason, take comfort in knowing there are restaurants open on Thanksgiving.
If this is your option of choice for Thanksgiving 2020. Be sure to book your meals or reservations in advance to ensure dinner is served without any unneeded stress or anxiety when it comes to availability.
Whatever it is that you have to do to remain close to long-distance family during Thanksgiving, do it! This year has been nothing short of complicated. Do whatever you can to simplify things for you and your family this holiday season. Don’t be closed off or avoid trying something new because virtual get-togethers are a reality of 2020.
Gifts to Stay Connected
Sure, the meal is an important component of the holidays, especially Thanksgiving, but there are other ways to stay connected with long-distance family members this year. The Thanksgiving holiday is focused on gratitude and is a jumpstart to the season of giving, so, of course, gift delivery is another feasible option.
Sending gifts for Thanksgiving is a fun and thoughtful way of making those long-distance celebrations more intimate. These gifts may include (but are not limited to) a basket of treats, a personalized photo album or even a silly gag gift to lift spirits. Gift delivery is something special to consider when looking for how to celebrate Thanksgiving during COVID.
Our team of gift specialists (i.e. florists) at Red Rose Flowers serving areas around Salinas, CA are here to help connect loved ones and bridge the gap no matter the distance. Whether that is an assorted gift basket of goodies, a Thanksgiving or holiday centerpiece or a personalized flower bouquet, we will work with you to create something that sends a message of unity and love.
Long-distance Thanksgivings are the last thing most of us want, but it is important to seize the day and work with the cards we are dealt with. May this year of uncertainty be a reminder to us all to cherish the moments we are given and go the distance for the people we love. Time is fleeting, but no good deed goes unnoticed.
Our team wishes you lots of love, gratitude and peace for Thanksgiving 2020 and the remaining holiday season.