Thanksgiving 2020 is here, and now more than ever, it is essential to count our blessings as much as possible. With a pandemic in progress, it is perhaps crucial to consider for the first time since 1918 (when the Spanish flu pandemic was in progress) to celebrate in a way that does not enhance the possibility of infection for ourselves and other people.  This does not mean that Thanksgiving will lose its character. 

On the contrary, its essence (gratitude) should be even more expressed and validated. For example, think of the oxygen masks on the plane. Do you remember what the flight attendant always suggests? First apply the oxygen mask on yourself, in order to be able to help others. Therefore, this year's Thanksgiving should be celebrated having in mind that through helping others and caring for others, we really bring thankfulness to life, more than ever. Here are some ways that you can celebrate this year's Thanksgiving without putting yourself and other people in any kind of danger:

Shop only online or in open-air markets

Do your shopping online this year or in open spaces, always wearing a mask, not only for Thanksgiving but for Christmas too, and keep yourself and everyone else safe.

Be a Thanksgiving dinner courier

We would all like to enjoy a delicious meal with family and friends.  But how about keeping a physical distance this year and actively practice caring for others.  Prepare a Thanksgiving meal and deliver it to relatives and friends, leave the meal outside their front door, showing your love by keeping them safe. Isn't it a great idea?

Synchronize your meal with relatives and friends, and share a virtual Thanksgiving experience

How about scheduling a time and with the aid of technology sharing your Thanksgiving meal with people (friends or relatives) who live far away or need to be kept safe due to health reasons.  Almost as good as being close to each other, you can count your blessings and share a laugh. People back in 1918 could not do that.  Don't you feel thankful and lucky?

Write down your blessings and share the gratitude

Why not write down all your blessings and host a virtual event where you and others can read aloud the things you are thankful for, and share all that gratitude and love. Sharing is caring, and sharing online is now more caring than ever.

Stay safe - stay grateful - have fun!