Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving looks a lot different this year.  Large, chaotic gatherings of family from far and wide have been put on hold.  Visiting our most at risk loved ones has become a threat to their safety.  Within each of us there is a responsibility to protect our loved ones while still nurturing  our social and emotional health.

What can you control?

​Nothing can replace the warmth of visiting family, walking into a home with all the smells of the holiday, hugging those you have not seen for a while and indulging in some of the most amazing treats.   The current pandemic has made some of this unsafe and challenging to achieve...but it is not impossible.  Our brains love to make mountains out of mole hills.  I get that COVID is one nasty mole hill, but it helps me to remember, I have no control over this invisible enemy.  I do, however, have control over how I respond to the threat of that enemy.  I wear my mask, stay home when possible, wash and sanitize often and check  my temperature when going places where I will be in contact with others.
This Thanksgiving, my family will not be traveling to Rhode Island as usual.  Travel bans and high risk family members make it unsafe.  These are circumstances out of my control.  But Thanksgiving will go on!!
Zoom and Google Meets have made it possible to see family while you chat.  I promise with a little patience and trial and error, anyone can become a master of this technology.  Find a time your loved ones can gather and have a family check in, perhaps say grace together before you dig into the sweet potato casserole or enjoy a comforting cup of coffee or tea with your slice of pumpkin pie together. 

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Celebrate New Traditions

Usually my family travels to Rhode Island and stays the weekend.  This year, we have an open chapter to begin creating new traditions.  Make a list of all the things you wish you had time to do.  Here are some ideas:

• Spend time researching your family tree and learn about your culture and heritage as a family
• Discover and try a new recipe
• Organize a photo album of the year (be sure to leave room for December and New Years)
• Walk the downtown street of your home town and look in each window.  I'll bet you will find places you never knew were there.
• Complete an act of Kindness and Gratitude. Go through old toys and clothes and make a trip to your local church, Salvation Army or Savers.  Make a donation to a local food pantry.  Shelters are always in need of socks, underwear, hats, gloves and diapers.  Or go sidewalk chalk your local first responders with messages of thanks.
• Break out your paper crafts and make cards to send to those in hospitals, nursing homes, overseas or those who may be in need of a simple "thinking of you".  Not crafty? Try GreetingsIsland.com to design, print and send (or email) cards for all occasions!
• Shop Small, Shop Local. Browse the web for local crafters and businesses for your Black Friday shopping.  Your town Chamber of Commerce and Facebook groups are a great place to start.  Etsy.com is a fantastic resource if you are looking for handmade personalized gifts and items can be directly shipped to your loved ones.
  

Yes this holiday season will look different, but you have it in yourself to make it great.  
What amazing memories will you make?

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