November 2020 Follow Up

After my November 1 post of the Ladies First Blog, it was reassuring to hear from many of you and to learn that I am not the only one in this holiday conundrum. I knew I wasn’t alone, and I am so thankful to hear some of your creative solutions.

Two months ago, my nephew reached out to me about visiting for Thanksgiving with his family.  I haven’t seen him in about 5 years, so of course I wanted them to visit!  After we chatted, cases of COVID started to rise.  Not only do I worry about my elderly parents, but also my nephew’s partner has an autoimmune disorder.  While we are all being careful, I had to weigh the risks vs. the rewards and decided it just wasn’t worth anyone’s health to endorse a visit.  As such, with much sadness I encouraged them to wait a year to enjoy in our festivities.  In addition, we decided to pair our festivities back to a few close family members where we can socially distance:  my parents and our kids. It’s not the usual Thanksgiving fare I prefer, but I will be able to sleep at night knowing that we will be able to enjoy again as one rowdy crowd next year.

I was also excited to receive some great ideas from you!  While some people lamented that they too cut back or cancelled holiday plans, a few people proposed celebrating in new ways.  One person suggested an outdoor Thanksgiving – like a tailgate party!  I love it. We do live in Michigan, so heaters are certainly required, but we know how to bundle up and have fun too!  Another person suggested virtual games.  Just google ‘virtual games’ and you will get a list of all kinds of ideas from different sources. Some other suggested staggered meal times so you can see everyone, but only a few people cross paths – like a progressive dinner, but everyone just comes at different times.

Thank you for all of the great ideas!  What I really learned from hearing from you is that we are all in the same boat.  It compelled me to really step back and take stock of all I have to be thankful.  It has been a long and rough 2020, but here are a few things that make me thankful.  I am thankful for my home and my health, my family and my soon to be born granddaughter.  I am thankful for blue skies and sunny days. I am thankful for leaves falling in the fall and flowers blooming in the spring. I am thankful for the work I do and I am very thankful for all of you. 

I wish you all the best during this holiday season!