As Thanksgiving approaches many of us may be contemplating how to celebrate Thanksgiving safely during a pandemic.  Last week, I was thinking about the importance of making plans and shared a few things to consider.  This week, I wanted to share some ideas from a blog post “Thanksgiving During a Pandemic” from Deborah Ringen, Transitional Minister of Health and Wellness for the Southern New England Conference, UCC. 

Deborah Ringen highlighted a few ideas for how to celebrate Thanksgiving this year.  She shared ideas from various sources like Practical Resources for Churches and Connecticut Children’s.  For some reason, reading her blog post made me feel a bit better.  Because even though so much has changed, there are still many ways to make Thanksgiving meaningful.  Maybe on the big day we could: 

Virtual Thanksgiving

  • Plan to share rituals from years past via Zoom, Facetime, Skype etc.
  • Ask for favorite recipes, connect to make them over Zoom
  • Send a care package, or deliver treats such as a hand-made matching centerpiece or a special recipe
  • Invite everyone to bring a toast, a joke, or a photo to share
  • Make a gratitude bowl, or paperchain, write things you are grateful for each day and pull out the slips of paper to share on thanksgiving
  • Talk about traditions you would like to add or continue next year

Or focus on Gratitude

  • Write or draw Thanksgiving cards
  • Make ” Thank calls, not Prank calls”
  • Decorate the yard with “Thank you” signs
  • Find a way to give back, a charity, a food drive, help someone in need

Who knows, maybe one of those ideas will inspire you!  Because we can still be grateful.  For God is good, all the time.  And all the time, God is good.
Wishing you good health and a happy and safe Thanksgiving. 

Love,
Pastor Lauren 

This Week’s Thoughts 11.19.20