The holiday that people across America anticipate in the fall, Thanksgiving, will have significant alterations this year. With COVID-19 continuing to sweep across the globe and the number of cases rising exponentially—especially in the New Jersey area—people all over the United States are faced with having to adapt to new rules and regulations in regards to their giving of thanks on Thursday, November 26th. 

Although many people, myself included, look forward to a dinner full of turkey and all of the delicious side dishes, surrounded by our loved ones, it seems as if this may not be the case this year. 2020 has posed many challenges due to COVID-19, and holiday gatherings seem to be one that will affect most this November. Many citizens of the US have been either forced to quarantine or have voluntarily decided to cancel their trips and social events for Thanksgiving this year. 

Safety is everyone’s “bottom line” concern. By maintaining social distance and avoiding gathering in large groups, people can thwart the spread of the virus. Dr. Ramon Tallaj, founder and chairman of Somos Community Care, a network of healthcare providers serving New York City, explains how, “in areas where these numbers are rising, gatherings bring with them much greater potential risk.” Ultimately, the message health officials want to get across is that it is imperative for Americans to avoid close contact with friends and loved ones.  

Taking responsibility and doing the right thing is essential to “rounding the corner” of this virus. When discussing the difficulties surrounding family events this year, specifically Thanksgiving, a fellow- Delbarton student, Jack Fidicaro ’23, explained “It stinks that I won’t be able to see my cousins and grandparents this year because of the virus. I always anticipate Thanksgiving as a time to be my family, but my family and I have decided to do our part and cancel our plans to avoid possibly contributing to the rise of COVID-19.” I have heard many statements similar to this one about plans being altered and shifted. My family’s plans for Thanksgiving are similar. I often have extended family from Canada come down and celebrate Thanksgiving with my family. However, we have made a similar decision and have canceled our plans and celebrating the holiday by ourselves. 

With this, many are left questioning how they will celebrate Thanksgiving this year. Here are some suggestions to help aid in your celebration of the holiday this year.

1. Embrace a virtual holiday. Hop onto a zoom call with your loved ones and celebrate Thanksgiving through the screen. Although it is very different than being in person, it will still share the social aspect of the holiday and you will still be with your family members in a sense.
2. Find other ways to enjoy time with your family. These include watching the Thanksgiving Day Parade, watching sports and movies at home, or playing an assortment of games with your parents and siblings. 
3. If you do plan on celebrating Thanksgiving in-person, try your best to have no more than 6 people over at your house. Possibly this year, if it is not too cold, enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner outside. As always, wear masks when necessary, stay 6 feet apart, and wash your hands constantly. 

Happy Thanksgiving to all!