2020 has been a difficult year for everyone. In the United States, we have now topped 12,500,000 diagnosed cases of COVID-19 with more than 258,000 deaths. With such grim news, it might seem impossible to find anything to be thankful for this year. Our traditional Thanksgiving celebrations will be smaller - families have been asked to avoid large gatherings to prevent the spread of the virus. There will be empty places at the table this year. How do we hold onto hope in the face of such sadness?
According to the CDC, there are three COVID-19 vaccines that should be ready and safe for distribution in late December of this year. We’re told essential workers will be immunized first, so they can continue to care for the people who are sick without getting sick themselves. Most Americans should be immunized by early spring, so there is hope. In the meantime, we all must continue to wear masks, observe social distancing, wash our hands frequently, and avoid large gatherings.
So, what else can we find to be thankful for?
Pat yourself on the back for wearing your mask to protect others, staying home, and observing all the safety recommendations the CDC has issued. It’s not easy and many people don’t have the strength of character to do what’s right for their loved ones and their community.
More people will be preparing their own Thanksgiving dinners than ever before. We have new opportunities for family bonding and there will be funny stories about cooking faux pas and moments of triumph as the perfect bird comes out of the oven.
Most of us are fortunate enough to have Internet access, so we can share Thanksgiving on Zoom, Skype, or Google. We can also take video and pictures to post on social media or send to our loved ones. We can share recipes and make crafts together. It’s not quite the same as being there, but it might be less messy, especially if glitter is involved.
With simpler meals, we’ll have more time to be grateful. We can sit and enjoy our favorite music or watch Planes, Trains & Automobiles because it really is the best Thanksgiving movie ever made.
More importantly, we can look forward to next year when our new normal might just be normal again.
Stay safe, stay well, and know you are loved.