Thanksgiving 2020 will be different for many families than it has been in the past. In past years, we've definitely enjoyed holiday get-togethers including cross-country or down-coast travel, as well as "Friendsgivings" when we've stayed local. That being said, there are so many years when this day has just been "just another workday" and travel/family have not been part of the holiday. In a year marked by so much grief and loss, I couldn't really put my finger on why I wasn't really grieving "missing Thanksgiving" this 2020, while many others feel so bitterly disappointed. Is it it that I am by now "used" to missing out on things due to COVID-19, with my expectations for joy and celebration extremely low (grief fatigue?)? A big part of it is likely that I do not enjoy cooking at all, nor am I interested in hosting or attending social gatherings in general, or traveling with kids in tow. However, the below statement by a doctor mom I think really hit the nail on the head! Essential workers rarely have the privilege to expect to have holidays "off" or free (although I'm not working this year and it sort of feels a bit like a wasted holiday since we can't go anywhere!). I can't even count the number of Thanksgivings and Christmases I have worked in the last nearly decade-and-a-half in medicine. I'm also thankful that my like-minded family members have not made us feel an ounce of guilt about staying safe this holiday season, and are staying safe themselves.
We had a quiet day at home. The kids dressed up as turkeys and did a lot of singing, dancing, and wrestling (mostly without tears). We (gasp-- no judgment in 2020, please) put up Christmas decorations! We walked in the neighborhood, enjoyed a nice meal together, and had "Google meet" Thanksgiving with Kelvin's Family.
Our home's only Thanksgiving visitor-- a backyard bluejay (?I think)
Gobble, Gobble!
I think only three of the ornament balls were shattered today.
My Grandmother's nativity set from 1984
In a year of so much sadness, loss, and chaos, we still have a lot to be thankful for.
Healthcare workers
To all of the healthcare workers and other essential/frontline personnel working this holiday and so many others, we recognize and bless you all. We know you're burned out and tired. Thank you for your service.
Health
While we are bored, and stir-crazy, we and our loved ones all are healthy (for now), and, most importantly, alive. Even though they squabble, my kids are so lucky to have each other as playmates during this pandemic. And, despite the natural irritation that comes with prolonged periods of time in close proximity, we have survived as a family unit.
Science (& scientists)
COVID-19 vaccines are on the horizon, which gives me so much hope (however, mass vaccination is what is important). In spite of the science- and mask-deniers, and the long COVID-winter ahead of us, we all just need to just hang on for a bit longer. Thank you, Dr. Fauci & staff and all of the hardworking scientists trying to keep us humans alive.
Jobs
When so many people have lost so much and are on the financial ropes this year and while our jobs certainly aren't "easy," we are thankful to have secure jobs and financial security. We try to give back a lot as "to whom much is given, much is required."
Childcare
A huge stressor this year has been childcare, when local schools have not been open. Our kids' daycare has stayed open since March, allowing Iver to attend as a kinder-aged child, and I'm so thankful for all of the wonderful staff who have kept our kids safe, happy, and still learning. Without family locally and no real option of back-up babysitters due to COVID, they have been invaluable. We couldn't parent without you and love you, LL!
Pennsylvania (, Michigan, Wisconsin, Georgia, & Arizona)
Thank you to the 80+ million voters who came out this year amidst a global pandemic, especially in these key swing states, to remove a dangerous sociopath from our White House. Democracy was saved for the present because of you, and the day I heard the election called was one of the most bright of this year. I'm so thankful to look forward to having competent, compassionate adults (President-Elect Biden and VP-elect Kamala Harris) leading us come January 2021.
Technology
While I have been on a bit of an anti-tech mission in recent years, I have been thankful for the privilege and option of virtual connections this year. For the ability to Skype with ladies over virtual Wednesday night Bible studies, to FaceTime for connecting with relatives during this pandemic (given that my kids probably won't have seen their aunts/uncles/Grandparents for well over a year by the time it's safe), I am grateful. I'm still not convinced that Zoom Kindergarten is better than no KG for my child, but virtual school is what it is (and wouldn't have been possible when I was a kid!), and I'm sure some kids out there are learning something even while this is no substitute for in-person learning.
Friends & Family
My very thoughtful friend Kellie dropped off homemade cranberry sauce, corn bread muffins, and pumpkin pie that she made from scratch, for our family this Thanksgiving, taking some pressure off from me in the kitchen this year (while I didn't attempt a turkey, as I'm not even sure my kids would eat it, I cooked a small chicken via Instant Pot and broiled it in the oven. I'm thankful this year for only having had to worry about poisoning my own family!). This small gesture really made my week (and her food was the only part of the meal that my kids enjoyed; apparently they are stuffing-haters). We miss our families dearly, but they continue to love and bless us across the miles and miles of distance. We can't wait to see you again, and thank you.
To all of the civilian foot soldiers in this war against the virus, and to the American patriots who are doing their part, staying home, and sacrificing this year to keep your neighbors safe, thank you.
Be like this family...
...(not Giant).
Give thanks, not COVID.
Happy Turkey Day!
