How Are MFS Students Safely Celebrating Thanksgiving?

MFS Students have also found their own ways to make Thanksgiving special for their families this year. As expected, COVID-19 has changed many students’ Thanksgiving plans. Matt D’Ottavi ’21 commented, “I’m just celebrating with my immediate family this year. Usually I celebrate with my extended family too.” 

Other students have also found themselves celebrating Thanksgiving with fewer people this year. Ashleigh Sorokin ’22 said, “I am just having dinner with my family. Usually, we have a big dinner with my whole extended family, but this year we are just having a normal family dinner with the addition of Thanksgiving food. It was hard to have my whole family come over when people live/work/go to school in different places.” 

Some students such as Isabella Pescatore ’22 have specifically quarantined to be able to spend Thanksgiving with family members.

“Although I wish I could be with everyone, I’m thankful I can see my grandparents. For the past two weeks, my family has quarantined as best as we could with the exception of work for my parents. We did this to ensure we could have a Thanksgiving without worry,” said Pescatore.

Similarly, Aria Patel ’21 followed special precautions so she can join her cousins for Thanksgiving. “I’m getting together with my first cousins since we all quarantined beforehand which is really nice since we can’t get together with our entire extended family,” said Patel.

Although Thanksgiving is different for many this year, Thanksgiving is still an annual reminder of how grateful many people are for their family, friends, and the MFS community. 

Despite the challenges posed by celebrating Thanksgiving this year during COVID-19, there are many safe alternative ways to observe the holiday. Instead of allowing restrictions on gatherings to ruin the spirit, below are six ideas to safely celebrate Thanksgiving and maintain its traditions.

1. Zoom Dinner

This year, many families that usually spend Thanksgiving together have to spend it apart, but Zoom and other communication platforms can bring families one step closer to a normal Thanksgiving. Start a call over dinner and talk to other family members as if they are sitting at the other end of the table.

2. Crafts 

Especially for younger family members, crafts can be a fun way to get everyone involved in the holiday spirit. Also, creating a simple hand-turkey or collage can make for some creative decorations around the house. Additionally, saving the crafts that are made serves as a good way to look back at past Thanksgiving memories.  

3. Outdoor Family Activities 

If the weather permits, going outside, bike riding, playing a sport, and walking with family are great ways to spend Thanksgiving. While so much more of people’s lives are now focused on technology and screens, enjoying the outdoors with family is a safe and great way to relax and move away from screens. 

4. Game and TV Night 

From board games to cards, these games can help make Thanksgiving more interesting. For families that would rather sit back and relax, watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade or football games. “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” is a go-to show that will be available to watch on Thanksgiving with your family on Apple TV Plus. Family games or movies are great entertainment when you are staying at home this Thanksgiving.  

5. Cooking Fun

Whether it be testing out new recipes or continuing old traditions, getting everyone’s family members involved in cooking is a fun activity. Have everyone create their own dish or work together to create a traditional family recipe. 

6. Story Telling 

As Thanksgiving is a time meant for people to recognize what they are grateful for, storytelling is a great way to share that appreciation. Whether sitting around the dinner table or over a Zoom call, tell a story about a past Thanksgiving or something for which you are grateful to create a good laugh or a heartfelt moment.