How to Have the Best Thanksgiving Possible in New York During a Pandemic
We know you want to see your family at Thanksgiving this year, so here are some tips for safely doing so in a way that your whole family will be happy with.
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Donate to a Thanksgiving food drive.
This holiday season, so many more New Yorkers than any normal year are struggling as a result of COVID-19. Over 2.4 million New York state residents, or 11.9 percent, are food insecure, according to Food Bank NYC. The good news is, when the going gets tough, New Yorkers band together to help out and there are plenty of food banks in New York that your family can donate to. Your contribution will help other New Yorkers have a happy Thanksgiving, too.
Have fun with a family-friendly Thanksgiving activity.
Your family can start celebrating and preparing for Thanksgiving this weekend, with story times, cooking classes, art projects, and more—and continue the festivities through the big day! Various venues across the New York metro area are hosting in-person and virtual Thanksgiving activities for the whole family.
Enjoy the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade may look different this year (there will be no crowds and balloons will be carried by vehicles rather than people, among other changes), but the beloved tradition will still be broadcast nationwide on NBC. What's more, there are a few new balloons and floats making their parade debut, Broadway shows will perform, and there are plenty of music acts to keep your whole family entertained for a few hours.
Watch a movie marathon.
After watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade from the comfort of your couch, why not continue the day with some fall family favorites? Screen the classic A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, then watch as turkeys try to save the day (and their kin) in the animated Free Birds. Not rooting for any of the teams playing on Nov. 26, but still in the mood for football? Try Remember the Titans, Rudy, or Radio. And you can always start the holiday celebrations a little early with Elf, Home Alone, or Miracle on 34th Street.
Plan your own family turkey trot.
Running (or walking) your own 5K is a great way for the whole family to get some exercise. Who needs other runners? This way, you’ll all win!
Have a friendly Thanksgiving dish competition.
Do the kids love making chocolate chip cookies? Does your sister usually make a mean sweet potato pie? Invite family members to drop their favorite homemade dishes at your house—and then do a Zoom competition where you “judge” the best dish. Don’t forget to make something for them, too!
Connect with family even when you're not together.
Many families are making the difficult decision to not get together for the holidays to limit the potential of getting and spreading the coronavirus. But that doesn't mean your kids can't see their grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins! We compiled a list of video-chat devices that will help your family connect, whether they're down the block or across the country. And for everyone's sanity, read @DadandBuried's advice about limiting the political talk (especially during this contentious time).
Invent your own tradition!
It will help take your mind off the impact COVID-19 has had on all our lives—whether it’s a new recipe, an excursion, or a new activity—do something that you’ve never done as a family. Now is the time to start a new Thanksgiving tradition with your family and incorporate it again next year!
Decide how you'll volunteer this season.
Now's the time of year when many people think about volunteering. So spend some time this Thanksgiving to research the various volunteer opportunities in New York and decide how your family will do a little good for the community.
Here at NYMetroParents, we've got everything you need to have a safe, fun, and festive fall and Halloween season. Whether it is pumpkin or apple picking, getting lost in a corn maze, making Halloween crafts or finding costumes and decorations, we're here to help.