How I am spending my Thanksgiving this year
This year has been especially difficult for many, and has affected annual traditions and holidays such as Thanksgiving. GA has graciously gifted us a longer Thanksgiving break, which will provide family members coming from different states and cities time to quarantine. Although my own Thanksgiving traditions will be slightly different this year, I plan on making the most of it by spending time with my family.
Thanksgiving is a time to gather with your friends and family to share what you are thankful for. My brother, who lives two-hours away in New York City, is able to enjoy Thanksgiving with us this year. My grandmother, who lives in Las Vegas, Nevada, usually flies to Philadelphia in order to celebrate with us. Many people fly in from other cities and states to spend this holiday together. Given the current circumstances, however, traveling on a plane is far more difficult this year than in past years.
In order to adapt to such sudden change, my family and I plan on Facetiming my grandmother during dinner and setting a place for her at the table. It will be difficult to adapt to changes to our lifelong traditions, but changing enable us to preserve some aspects of tradition despite the circumstances. For those unable to celebrate with other family members, I recommend calling or video chatting them as well as setting a place for them at the dining table, so that they can still feel included. Gurbani Chawla ‘22 says, “the most difficult aspect of having Thanksgiving amidst a pandemic is not being able to spend the day with my extended family and friends.” She plans on adapting by spending the holiday with her immediate family instead.
On the day of Thanksgiving, I wake up to the scent of turkey and stuffing being prepared. My family and I normally skip breakfast so that we can save our appetite for the big meal at dusk. I enjoy cooking Thanksgiving dinner with my mother, as cooking is a secret passion of mine. My favorite food to enjoy on Thanksgiving is sweet potatoes with marshmallows because the gooey marshmallows blend nicely with the sweetness of the potato. Cooking sweet potatoes with my mother has become another one of my family traditions. My mother and I have done this for many years, and we believe we make the best sweet potatoes. I am thankful that the pandemic won’t affect this tradition.
By staying safe and spending time in my house, I will have more quality time with my immediate family and friends. Ultimately, you can still celebrate your Thanksgiving with your family and friends while adapting to the challenges that 2020 has brought us.
