How to Have the Best Thanksgiving Possible in New York During a Pandemic

We know you want to see your family at Thanksgiving this year, so here are some tips for safely doing so in a way that your whole family will be happy with.

By Jacqueline Neber, Melissa Wickes November 17, 2020

The coronavirus has made Thanksgiving look a little different this year, but it's still possible to have a good holiday with your family this November. Here are some Thanksgiving safety tips and ideas for celebrating the holiday in a way that your whole family can feel comfortable with and excited about.

Creating Your Own Family Thanksgiving Pod
Thanksgiving Safety Tips from the CDC
Thanksgiving Ideas Other Than a Big Family Dinner

Creating Your Own Family Thanksgiving Pod

As we approach the holiday season, families are missing their loved ones more than ever. Due to the coronavirus and NYS guidelines limiting indoor gatherings to ten people, some families may be opting out of the family dinners this year (and the CDC recommends you do). However, we know that others will want to do everything they can to safely see their family for the holiday.

The Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) turned to the most recent NBA season for inspiration when brainstorming a safe and happy Thanksgiving this year.

Creating your own "holiday bubble" involves a number of steps and a mutual understanding throughout your family:

Today

Assess your own risk tolerance
Ensure everyone involved is committed to the same rules
Get your flu shot
Have a serious family conversation
Agree on a location
Order necessary PPE
If flying, take a direct flight when possible
Check travel restrictions for the state you're visiting

Two weeks prior to Thanksgiving

Self-quarantine if possible
Maintain close attention to distancing, mask wearing, and sanitizing
Monitor your symptoms and temperature daily

5-7 days prior to Thanksgiving

Get a diagnostic test (PCR, not rapid)
Stock up on hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes
Recheck travel restrictions

When driving to Thanksgiving bubble

Make the trip in a single day
Bring your own travel snacks
Limit or avoid time in crowded places along the way

When flying to Thanksgiving bubble

Wear a mask the entire flight
Skip snacks and drinks
Use the restroom before boarding

During Thanksgiving

For high-risk family members, follow mask practices, hand hygiene, and distancing
If possible, have all windows open and tables spaced out, outside
Have one person wearing a mask and gloves serve food in a distanced buffet style

For a short, printable version of this Thanksgiving bubble checklist that the whole family can sign in agreement, click here.

Thanksgiving Safety Tips from the CDC

It is up to you and your family to weigh the risks and rewards of seeing your extended family this holiday. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provided this guidance for Thanksgiving this year:

These activities pose a low risk:

Have a small dinner, with only the people who live in your household.
Prepare your favorite Thanksgiving recipes and drop the food off at the houses of friends and family.
Have a virtual dinner so the kids can see their relatives and share memories.

These activities pose a moderate risk:

Have a small outdoor dinner with family and friends in your community (just be sure to always follow CDC guidelines for hosting outdoor gatherings).
Go for a family hike where people can maintain social distancing. Don’t forget the hand sanitizer and masks for when social distancing isn’t possible!

And the CDC recommends avoiding:

Shopping in crowded stores before, on, or after Thanksgiving. (This probably isn’t the year to go crazy on Black Friday!)
Attending a crowded sports event or parade
Attending large indoor gatherings with people outside your household. As much as we want things to return to normal, this isn’t the year to have a normal Thanksgiving celebration at grandma’s house.

Thanksgiving Ideas Other Than a Big Family Dinner

Because this is already an unusual year, it might be just the right time to stage an alternative Thanksgiving. Think outside the box to make this holiday a little different.

Donate to a Thanksgiving food drive.

This holiday season, so many more New Yorkers than any normal year are struggling as a result of COVID-19. Over 2.4 million New York state residents, or 11.9 percent, are food insecure, according to Food Bank NYC. The good news is, when the going gets tough, New Yorkers band together to help out and there are plenty of food banks in New York that your family can donate to. Your contribution will help other New Yorkers have a happy Thanksgiving, too.

Have fun with a family-friendly Thanksgiving activity.

Your family can start celebrating and preparing for Thanksgiving this weekend, with story times, cooking classes, art projects, and more—and continue the festivities through the big day! Various venues across the New York metro area are hosting in-person and virtual Thanksgiving activities for the whole family.

Enjoy the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade may look different this year (there will be no crowds and balloons will be carried by vehicles rather than people, among other changes), but the beloved tradition will still be broadcast nationwide on NBC. What's more, there are a few new balloons and floats making their parade debut, Broadway shows will perform, and there are plenty of music acts to keep your whole family entertained for a few hours.

Watch a movie marathon.

After watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade from the comfort of your couch, why not continue the day with some fall family favorites? Screen the classic A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, then watch as turkeys try to save the day (and their kin) in the animated Free Birds. Not rooting for any of the teams playing on Nov. 26, but still in the mood for football? Try Remember the Titans, Rudy, or Radio. And you can always start the holiday celebrations a little early with Elf, Home Alone, or Miracle on 34th Street.

Plan your own family turkey trot.

Running (or walking) your own 5K is a great way for the whole family to get some exercise. Who needs other runners? This way, you’ll all win!

Have a friendly Thanksgiving dish competition.

Do the kids love making chocolate chip cookies? Does your sister usually make a mean sweet potato pie? Invite family members to drop their favorite homemade dishes at your house—and then do a Zoom competition where you “judge” the best dish. Don’t forget to make something for them, too!

Connect with family even when you're not together.

Many families are making the difficult decision to not get together for the holidays to limit the potential of getting and spreading the coronavirus. But that doesn't mean your kids can't see their grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins! We compiled a list of video-chat devices that will help your family connect, whether they're down the block or across the country. And for everyone's sanity, read @DadandBuried's advice about limiting the political talk (especially during this contentious time).

Invent your own tradition!

It will help take your mind off the impact COVID-19 has had on all our lives—whether it’s a new recipe, an excursion, or a new activity—do something that you’ve never done as a family. Now is the time to start a new Thanksgiving tradition with your family and incorporate it again next year!

Decide how you'll volunteer this season.

Now's the time of year when many people think about volunteering. So spend some time this Thanksgiving to research the various volunteer opportunities in New York and decide how your family will do a little good for the community.

Here at NYMetroParents, we've got everything you need to have a safe, fun, and festive fall and Halloween season. Whether it is pumpkin or apple picking, getting lost in a corn maze, making Halloween crafts or finding costumes and decorations, we're here to help.

Get the Best Events & Activities

How to Have the Best Thanksgiving Possible in New York During a Pandemic