6 Best Ways to Enjoy Thanksgiving That Don’t Involve Other People

Well, it’s official, 2020 is the worst year. Our collective heart sunk this past week when we saw COVID cases on the rise and heard the dreaded advice from government officials and the ministry of health: Don’t risk a further spread, avoid Thanksgiving get togethers. Of course, we understand we must take care of each other, but the disappointment and general glumness is unavoidable. Thanksgiving is special and a much-loved holiday by so many Canadians. But just because we’re not getting together, doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy some Thanksgiving-y feels.

Here are the 6 best ways to enjoy Thanksgiving that don’t involve other people:

  1. Eating

Yes, thanksgiving is about the food and food is best when it’s a big meal with lots of people. BUT don’t skip the thanksgiving meal just because you don’t have a huge family gathering to prepare for. Even if it’s just you, buy the smallest turkey you can find, make an eighth of the cranberry sauce you normally do, mash 2 potatoes instead of 12… just go for it! You might end up with a fridge full of leftovers but that sounds like a good problem, doesn’t it?

  1. Get cozy

If this is the weekend you usually fire up the woodstove – still do it! Make a whole production out of having a cozy fire roaring the entire weekend. Then break out the blankets and a good book.

  1. Enjoy fall

This is the “go for a walk” weekend if there ever was one. You have the biggest meal of the year to digest, after all. So, get out and enjoy the crisp air and sunshine.

  1. Have a movie night

A long weekend lends perfectly to staying up late and watching something good. Jump online and find a recommendation from a trusted source, then get in front of the TV and dive into your 3rd bowl of stuffing and 4th piece of pie. Gluttony is no sin this weekend.

  1. Call everyone you’ve been meaning to call

Sure, this involves other people, but that’s a technicality. We all need to communicate with other people to better our emotional health. With everyone stuck at home, there’s never been a better time for catching up with distant relatives and old friends.

  1. Clean

Sounds like a bad one to end on, right? But cleaning is good for our mental health. Plus, this weekend is perfect for winter preparation. A good fall cleanup will leave you feeling accomplished and prepared for winter. Chop that kindling for your wood stove, put away the deck chairs, and just generally get some things done. Then go back to number 1 on this list and start over