As I watch the news, stories of how the airlines have added additional flights to accommodate holiday travel abound. But Dr. Fauci warns of the likelihood of Coronavirus cases increasing drastically during the holiday season due to the cold weather. He even mentioned that he and his wife will be enjoying dinner at home alone but will still share the holiday with his three daughters over video. He went on to say he was proud of his daughters who are concerned for their “elderly” dad.

Dr. Fauci advises that families have a decision to make. They have to weigh the risks and decide if a traditional Thanksgiving gathering is the right thing for this time in history. While it may be difficult not to gather with your family and friends this holiday season, perhaps the greatest act of love is a socially distant virtual gathering.

So, if you plan to have a virtual gathering, you don’t just have to eat together. You can do other things to make it a memorable time together.

Here are a few tips on planning a fun virtual Thanksgiving gathering.

1. Play Thanksgiving Themed Games. Consider creating Thanksgiving trivia or word games that can be played with everyone online. If you aren’t that creative, you can search Pinterest for some free downloadable games. Check out https://meebily.com/thanksgiving-trivia-questions-answers/ and http://www.savvy-spending.com/2017/11/free-printable-thanksgiving.html?spref=pi.
2. Share Some Gratitude. You can make this as simple or elaborate as you like. Ask your family to go around and share what makes them grateful. If you have time to plan, consider having everyone send you write-ups on what they are thankful for and sharing these throughout the virtual gathering. You can also create some conversation starters to change up the responses. For some Thankful prompt cards, check out Etsy.
3. Crafts for Adults and Kiddos A Like. Find a quick and fun craft that everyone can do together, virtually. Of course, you can have everyone draw a turkey and color it. Remember the old, trace-your- hand turkeys you drew in school. Make sure to tell the attendees to have a pencil, paper, and color pencils or crayons available. Or you can plan by sending a craft kit to everyone attending. Head over to Pinterest for some quick craft ideas. Gather what’s needed and send it to your attendees. Spend time making the craft together or ask everyone to make ahead and have a craft showcase. Consider awarding prizes like “Most Original” or “Most Colorful.”
4. Thanksgiving Tablespace Contest. If you love to decorate and still plan to do it even if you don’t have visitors coming to the house, make a contest of it during your virtual gathering. Remember, it does not have to be a contest. Everyone can show off their décor if they like.
5. Reminisce about Old Times. Remember that last family vacation you all took? Or what about the last time you all gathered together? Do you have pictures? Well, now is the time to pull them out. Create a slide show of old family photos.

If you have any tips on how to make your virtual Thanksgiving a memorable one, leave a comment.

~ Until Next Time,
Sizable Chic