Thanksgiving is one of the top family holidays in America, second only to Christmas. It is assumed we will set aside time for our families around Thanksgiving.
We’ll get together and eat a great deal of food, feasting on turkey and fellowship, reconnecting with family. At the same time, Thanksgiving sets off the holiday season.
For some, however, we live far away from our close family, and gathering in person isn’t an option. Jobs and other responsibilities take us to different states or cities.
A more recent hurdle has been COVID-19 and people’s reluctance to meet in person if someone is sick or has personal convictions about vaccines.
Instead of refusing to gather or celebrate at all, modern technology has made other options available to us.
And referencing the recent pandemic, more people have become comfortable with online or long-distance options. While it isn’t the same as being in person, there are other creative ways to celebrate.
Here are seven ways to celebrate Thanksgiving when your family lives far away.
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1. Virtual Thanksgiving Gathering
Holding a virtual Thanksgiving celebration can be a meaningful and enjoyable way to connect with loved ones. Here are some tips to make your virtual Thanksgiving a success.
Start planning well in advance to ensure that everyone is on the same page. Decide on a date and time that works for everyone, considering time zones and schedules.
Select a video conferencing platform that everyone is comfortable with, such as Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet.
Make sure everyone has the necessary software or app installed. In addition, make sure you have the devices so you can see everyone in the virtual meeting.
Create a schedule for your virtual Thanksgiving gathering, including time for all the different activities. Remember to consider people in different time zones.
Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, so take time to share what you're thankful for. You can go around the virtual table and ask each participant to express their gratitude. Raise a glass and make a virtual toast.
Plan fun activities or games that everyone can participate in virtually. Trivia games, charades, or a virtual scavenger hunt can add excitement to your celebration.
In the days leading up to Thanksgiving, do a test run with the video conferencing platform to ensure everyone is comfortable with its features and functions.
Finally, technical glitches can happen so have a backup plan in case the video call experiences issues.
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2. Cook and Share Recipes
Celebrating Thanksgiving with long-distance family members can be a heartwarming and memorable experience. One creative way to maintain the tradition of a shared meal is by cooking the same dishes together.
Start by collectively deciding on the Thanksgiving menu. Share your family’s favorite recipes and agree on which dishes everyone will prepare. This collaborative approach ensures that everyone feels involved and has a say in meal planning.
Once the menu is set, exchange recipes among family members. This ensures that everyone follows the same instructions and uses the same ingredients, maintaining a consistent taste and experience across locations.
Decide on a cooking schedule that accommodates different time zones and preferences. Some family members might prefer to cook earlier in the day, while others may opt for a later dinner. Ensure that everyone knows when to start cooking their respective dishes.
You can even prepare the food and the table virtually via video conference platforms or Facetime. This way you can share progress and stay connected, even encouraging one another.
Don't forget about dessert! Coordinate a dessert course, and if you have any Thanksgiving traditions like pie-baking contests, continue them virtually.
By cooking the same dishes and virtually sharing your Thanksgiving meal, you can create a sense of togetherness and preserve cherished family traditions even when separated by distance. It's a unique and heartfelt way to celebrate the holiday with loved ones, no matter where they are.
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3. Thanksgiving Care Packages
Sharing Thanksgiving care packages with family members across long distances is a thoughtful way to bridge the physical gap and celebrate the holiday together.
Begin by deciding what items to include in the care packages. Traditional Thanksgiving treats like homemade pies, cookies, or canned cranberry sauce can be great choices. Consider the dietary preferences and restrictions of the recipients as well.
Reach out to family members in different locations to discuss the care package exchange. Decide on a budget, a shipping schedule, and a list of items each household will contribute to the packages.
Encourage family members to include personal touches in their care packages. This can include handwritten notes, family recipes, or small trinkets that hold sentimental value. Personalized touches make the packages even more special.
Choose sturdy, food-safe containers for packaging. Double-check that all items are well-sealed and won't spoil during shipping. When sending perishable items, consider using dry ice or cold packs to keep them fresh.
Be mindful of shipping deadlines to ensure the care packages arrive in time for Thanksgiving. Utilize reliable courier services and keep tracking numbers handy to monitor the packages' progress.
Schedule a video call for the moment when everyone receives their care packages. Open them together virtually, sharing reactions, stories, and gratitude.
By sharing Thanksgiving care packages, families can bridge the geographical divide and create a meaningful and shared holiday experience. It's a wonderful way to demonstrate love and care for one another, even when separated by long distances.
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4. Share Gratitude Lists
Sharing gratitude lists across long distances around Thanksgiving is a meaningful way to connect with loved ones when you can’t be together in person.
Choose a digital platform that everyone can access easily, such as email, a shared Google document, or a dedicated group chat on messaging apps like WhatsApp or Telegram. Ensure that all family members have access to the platform.
If using a platform like Google Docs, create a shared document where family members can contribute their gratitude lists. Label it “Family Thanksgiving Gratitude Lists” or something similar.
Determine a specific deadline for family members to submit their gratitude lists. This ensures that everyone has enough time to reflect on and compile their lists before Thanksgiving.
Offer guidelines or prompts to help family members structure their gratitude lists. For example, ask them to list five things they’re thankful for this year, a memorable family moment, or a personal achievement. Personal stories are an amazing thing to include, making it more meaningful.
Designate a specific time on Thanksgiving Day or during the Thanksgiving weekend for sharing the gratitude lists.
This can be done via video call or email, depending on your family’s preferences. Have each family member read or discuss their gratitude list. Encourage active listening and responses from others.
Consider saving or printing the gratitude lists and keeping them as a digital or physical keepsakes. This allows you to revisit and reflect on past years’ lists, tracking how your family’s gratitude evolves over time.
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5. Virtual Games and Activities
Families love to play games together. Old and young alike can participate and laugh, creating amazing memories. And you can do it virtually as well.
Many classic board games have online versions that you can play together. Games like Scrabble, Monopoly, or Settlers of Catan have digital counterparts that allow for remote play. Use video conferencing to chat and catch up while playing.
Host a Thanksgiving-themed trivia night with questions about the holiday's history, traditions, and fun facts. You can take turns being the quizmaster and even prepare small prizes for the winners.
Pick a Thanksgiving-themed movie or a family favorite and synchronize your streaming to watch it together. Use a group chat or video call to comment and discuss the film in real time.
Scavenger hunts are huge fun. Create a list of items or themes and have family members find and show those items via video call. You can make it competitive with time limits and scoring.
Choose a craft or DIY project that everyone can work on remotely. You can create Thanksgiving decorations, centerpieces, or personalized holiday cards.
Remember to schedule these activities in advance, ensure everyone has the necessary materials or instructions, and embrace the joy of connecting virtually with loved ones during the Thanksgiving season. It’s all about creating meaningful moments and cherished memories, no matter the distance.
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6. Volunteer or Donate
Volunteering and donating around Thanksgiving is a wonderful way to express gratitude, give back to the community, and make a positive impact during the holiday season.
These are options for serving and sharing as a family. Even when families live far away, you can each participate in your own area.
Soup kitchens, homeless shelters, and food banks are often in high demand during the holiday season. Offer your time to help prepare and serve meals to those in need or assist with food distribution.
Many organizations and churches run turkey or food drives to provide Thanksgiving meals to low-income families. Donate turkeys or non-perishable food items to support these efforts. Contact local senior centers or Meals on Wheels programs to volunteer for meal deliveries.
Many elderly individuals spend Thanksgiving alone, and a warm meal and a friendly visit can make a significant difference.
If in-person volunteering is not possible, consider virtual volunteering opportunities. You can help with online fundraisers, social media campaigns, or remote administrative tasks for nonprofits.
Many communities organize Thanksgiving events such as free meals, parades, or charity runs. Offer your assistance in organizing or participating in these events.
Monetary contributions to reputable charities or local organizations can be particularly valuable. These funds can be used to purchase essential supplies or support programs that benefit the community.
Remember that acts of kindness and generosity can make a significant difference, no matter how small they may seem.
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7. Organize a Friendsgiving
You’re probably the only one who lives far away from the family they love on Thanksgiving. Through your church or community, you can reach out to single-parent families or singles who may need somewhere to go for Thanksgiving.
Organizing a Friendsgiving, a Thanksgiving celebration with friends, can be a wonderful way to create lasting memories and strengthen friendships.
Decide on a date that works for you and your friends. Since Friendsgiving is typically held in addition to or separate from family Thanksgiving celebrations, flexibility for time and place is key.
Friendsgiving can be an intimate gathering or a larger event, depending on your preferences. Consider dietary restrictions or preferences when finalizing your guest list. Then invite people warmly and joyfully.
Decide whether you want to prepare the entire meal yourself or have a potluck-style dinner where guests bring dishes to share. Communicate with your friends about what they'd like to contribute to ensure a balanced meal.
Decorate your space with a Thanksgiving theme, which brings a sense of family and nostalgia. Plan activities and games as you would with your family.
Since Thanksgiving is about expressing gratitude, consider setting up an activity where guests can share what they’re thankful for. This can be verbal or written down.
Have a camera or smartphone ready to capture moments throughout the evening. You can also set up a designated photo booth area with props for fun snapshots.
Make it a fun, relaxed, and memorable gathering where you can enjoy delicious food, create cherished memories, and strengthen the bonds with your friends.
If you’re far away from your family during Thanksgiving, take one or more of these suggestions and figure out what works best for you. And be creative! You can begin a new tradition and stay connected with the people you love.
For further reading:
7 Lies Women Believe about Hospitality This Thanksgiving
What Conversations Should Families Avoid at Thanksgiving?
35 Thanksgiving Prayers and Blessings of Gratitude for Your Family
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Originally published Wednesday, 25 October 2023.