We all hoped that things would be different by now. It’s been almost a year since the first cases of an unknown virus popped up in Wuhan; since then, we’ve seen America struggle to curb the highly infectious, sometimes deadly coronavirus.
For the most part, we’re now a nation of mask-wearing, hand-washing shut-ins. Some of us may have lost friends or family; many of us have lost jobs. All of us have lost the sense of social connection that helps keep us from feeling alone in the universe.
This year’s holiday celebrations–the time that should have rekindled those connections we so dearly miss–will not be like other years. The CDC has recommended that we limit our Thanksgiving to only those people who already live in our households. While a small, socially distant outdoor dinner could be possible for some folks, in many parts of the country it’s simply not possible because of the weather.
Where does that leave us? For me, at least, I’m struggling to find gratitude as Thanksgiving approaches. I won’t be sharing a meal with my family this year; in fact, the closest thing I’ll get to Thanksgiving dinner is the specialty sub with turkey and cranberry sauce at my local grocery store.
It’s all too easy to focus on the things we’ve had to give up this year. That sense of deprivation, of loss, can turn into a darker emotion. Feelings of resentment, of anger. Of a reckless, entitled fatalism that encourages you to throw caution to the wind and have your dang Turkey Day with the fam after all.
Let’s look instead of the small reasons to be grateful this year. It might not look like Thanksgivings past, but the spirit of the holiday hasn’t changed.
Modern Technology
Yes, it can be a breeding ground for hate and misinformation. But the internet is a modern miracle in many ways. It allows us to stay in touch with loved ones no matter how far away they might be. It keeps us entertained with endless options to read, play, and watch.
Imagine how much worse the boredom, fear, and isolation must have been during the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic. We’re truly lucky to live in an age where the whole world is just a click away.
Less Stress and Expense
This is a backhanded blessing of sorts. If you’ve ever hosted Thanksgiving, then you know that it’s not cheap to put all that food on the table. I’ve made dinner for ten in the past, and it somehow always involves several days of cooking and prepping, multiple last-minute trips to the grocery store, and my entire month’s food budget.
We also won’t be spending money on road trips or plane tickets this year, since traveling to visit friends and family is strictly off the table. If you’ve already set aside the money for your annual trip, save it for next year. It looks promising that a vaccine will be widely distributed by this time next year, so save up for a blow-out celebration in 2021.
Essential Workers
People working on the front lines deserve our thanks more than ever. One of the best ways you can express your gratitude is by staying safe yourself. Don’t take risks with your health that could end up taxing an already over-burdened healthcare system. Consolidate your trips to the grocery store and wear a mask when you go out. Act with kindness and respect, and above all be patient.
If you’re in a position to do so, find ways to give back to your community and the people who need help most. Volunteering with an organization like Meals and Wheels, which delivers food to vulnerable folks, can be really rewarding. You could also reach out to neighbors who might be hurting right now and find out how you can help.
