(11/2020) As with some of my previous articles, this one will be a little different because of the situation of the times. Thanksgiving may be your families' biggest holiday when everyone comes together to celebrate. This year many families are choosing not to get together so they can keep safe. Seeing your grandparents or parents are still important to everyone. I would like to share a few ideas that I have heard from my clients and from other sources that may help you with your Thanksgiving this year.

Zoom meetings will be a big thing this year because you can stay in your house and still visit with family and friends. People have been using zoom for a while now if they were unable to travel for the holidays. We are fortunate to have the technology that we have today. I realize not everyone has the capability to use zoom. You can also face time your loved ones if you all have this feature. Another, more simple and basic way to share your beautiful face with your family is to send them a picture or get out some pictures from past holidays. You can speak to them on the phone and look at the pictures. You can share memories you have of previous holidays and share laughs with them. Laughing is an important thing that we should do each day. It is even more fun to laugh with others, even over the phone.

Having Thanksgiving dinner at your own home instead of traveling to gather together may not be as much fun but may be necessary this year. It is important to make sure your older parents and grandparents are still having Thanksgiving dinner even if they are alone. This can be a sad and depressing time for those who live alone, that's why you should reach out and make plans for the day. Taking dinner to your older family members may be the way to do it this year. If taking dinner is a bit much, maybe you could take dessert to them or have their favorite dessert delivered from a local store or bakery. Hopefully the weather will be nice and you may be able to sit outside and share dessert with them.

You know I always suggest taking a walk after dinner. Perhaps you can make plans to meet them and take a nice walk outside. Supposedly, if we are outside and keep a safe distance apart we are at a lower risk of spreading germs. Exercise after a big meals is always a good idea and this year may just be the answer to getting together safely. As I mentioned earlier, if the weather is nice and your family members are not able to go for a walk perhaps you can still sit in the yard for a short visit.

I know plans can change quickly but for now the Thanksgiving Day Parade is still going to be shown. I heard they would still have some performances and were going to honor front line workers and have a limited amount of parade participants. Watching the parade is another tradition many families share each year. This year it will still be available, you may just have to watch alone. Again, hopefully the weather will cooperate and we can all enjoy a great parade.

Another way to show someone you care if you can't visit this year is to send a card or flowers. They can enjoy the flowers on their dinner table and for many days to follow. Seeing the flowers will remind them of you and how much you care for them. The most important thing to do is reach out to family and friends, especially those who will be alone. A phone call or whatever gesture you can think of to let them know you are thinking of them will make their day and their holiday special.

Thinking of others on this holiday will not only make them happy but will also give you joy. Remember to keep moving, we all need extra support and caring during the upcoming holiday season.